§ Sir David SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will reconsider the proposed increases in sheriff court fees; and what representations he has received from the Law Society on this matter.
§ Mr. LangThe changes to Sheriff Court fees, which are projected to lead to an overall 12 per cent. increase in income, are included in the Sheriff Court Fees Amendment (No. 2) Order 1983 which was laid before Parliament on 10 December.
My noble and learned Friend has received a number of representations from the Law Society of Scotland to which he has responded clarifying the basis of the changes.