HC Deb 11 April 1984 vol 58 cc219-21W
35. Mr. Maxton

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland how many people were prosecuted for the possession of heroin in 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983, respectively, in Scotland.

The Solicitor-General for Scotland

The information for the first four of those years is available. The figures are as follows:

Number
1979 22
1980 38
1981 89
1982 172

A breakdown of these statistics is as follows. No figures are yet available for 1983.

Mr. Biffen

My noble Friend is satisfied that his advisory committees recommend candidates for the magistracy on the basis of their suitability for appointment while bearing in mind the desirability of well balanced benches.

Mr. Pike

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many new magistrates were appointed to each bench in Lancashire for each year since 1979.

Mr. Biffen

The information is as follows:

Mr. Younger

The Scottish Office system of annual management plans lays particular emphasis on objectives and performance. Financial planning in non-departmental public bodies has been improved; a budgetary system for the Scottish prison service has been developed; and financial management in the National Health Service improved. An information system for Scottish Office running costs has been inaugurated.