§ 35. Mr. Maxtonasked 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 ScotlandThe 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. BiffenMy 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. Pikeasked the Lord Privy Seal how many new magistrates were appointed to each bench in Lancashire for each year since 1979.
§ Mr. BiffenThe information is as follows:
§ Mr. YoungerThe 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 221W financial management in the National Health Service improved. An information system for Scottish Office running costs has been inaugurated.