§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps have been taken to provide instruction for lay magistrates as required by the District Courts (Scotland) Act 1975.
§ Mr. William RossA draft training scheme was circulated on 10th February to the chief executives of all islands area and district councils to assist the justices' committees appointed under Section 16 of the 1975 Act which are responsible for the administration of training in their areas. Copies of a handbook for magistrates have been widely distributed amongst justices who are undertaking court duties. I have appointed a training organiser to assist in the general development of training for justices.