§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the backlog of cases at Haddington sheriff court relative to other sheriff courts; and if he intends to take any steps to improve the efficiency and accommodation of the court in Haddington.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonI refer to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Ayr (Mr. Gallie) on 15 July 1992,Official Report, columns 708–10, setting out the waiting periods for civil proofs and summary criminal trials for each sheriff court in Scotland. Haddington is within the national average for each category. The speedy and efficient disposal of sheriff court business is a matter for sheriffs principal. Witness accommodation at Haddington has been improved over recent years and steps are being taken to provide better interview facilities for solicitors and their clients. The main courtroom will be refurbished when resources permit.