§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has proposals to reduce the amount of time that police and prison officers spend on court and escort duties.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 26 July 1988]: The Scottish Home and Health Department, in consultation with the Crown Agent, the Scottish Courts Administration and the police, is currently considering whether the resources devoted by the police and prison services to these duties could be reduced without damage to the administration of justice and the security of prisoners. Among the aspects being studied are the scope for civilianisation of court posts and the arrangements for citing police officers as witnesses.