§ Mr. CanavanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland in what circumstances the Lord Advocate acts for and on behalf of employers to assist the arrestment of earnings of people who have refused to pay fines for not registering for the poll tax.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonIn terms of the Crown Suits (Scotland) Act 1857 legal proceedings against any public department may be directed against the Lord Advocate. Accordingly, an arrestment seeking to arrest sums owing to an employee of a public department may be served on the Lord Advocate for and on behalf of such a department.
§ Mr. CanavanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what approaches the Lord Advocate has had from sheriff officers to assist the arrestment of earnings of people who have refused to pay fines for not registering for the poll tax; and what action he intends taking.
824W
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonAny arrestment served on the Lord Advocate in respect of any sums owing by a public department to an employee is a matter between the department, its employee and the person who has instructed the arrestment. Any arrestment so served would be considered to determine its validity. If valid, effect would be given to the arrestment by the public department concerned.