§ Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will bring forward proposals to permit Scots standing as sureties for bail in cases pending before the English courts to deposit their surety with the nearest police station in Scotland, rather than, as at present, having to go to England to make the deposit.
§ Mr. William RossI am at present considering the whole question of bail in Scotland in the light of recommendations made by the Thomson Committee on Criminal Procedure in its recent report.
451WI have initiated consultations with interested organisations on the report. I am also considering what implications any changes would have in relation to Scots standing as sureties in bail cases before the English courts and shall consult my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary as appropriate.