HC Deb 13 May 1981 vol 4 c286W
Mr. Lang

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what effect the Civil Service pay dispute has had on the administration of justice in Scotland.

Mr. Younger

A large number of courts were affected by absence of court staff on 9 March, 13 March, 1 April and 14 April; staff in the High Court of Justiciary. Court of Session and Aberdeen and Inverness sheriff courts were on strike for a week from 24 March; the work held over has been re-timetabled. At Glasgow and Edinburgh sheriff courts the strike has continued since 24 March, though a small number of staff remain at work at Glasgow. As a result of this action, only a limited amount of essential business is possible at Glasgow and Edinburgh sheriff courts and some summary cases are now time-barred. There has been some disruption to sittings of the High Court in Glasgow and Edinburgh and the authority of the High Court has been sought in a number of cases to extend the period during which a person can be held in custody after full committal. The position is being regularly monitored.