§ Mr. Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the number of contested cases handled by the Court of Session in each year since 1979; what are the respective average waiting times in each year for motion roll hearings, debates and proofs; and what is the average time taken per case apparent in each year.
§ Mr. AncramThe number of contested cases commenced in each year since 1979 is as follows:
Number 1979 977 1980 1,049 1981 1,935 1982 1,966 1983 2,620 The normal time between enrolling a motion and its being heard is 48 hours; emergency motions are dealt with immediately on enrolment. The waiting time between closing the record and hearing the debate is normally some three to four months.
Formal statistical information is not held to enable the remaining information requested to be provided without disproportionate cost. However, examination of the cases for 1983 and 1984 indicates that the approximate times elapsing between the record being closed and the proof taking place are as follows:
Ordinary actions Months Consistorial actions Months 1983 10 to 11 7 to 8 1984 12 7to 8