§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Lord President of the Council, pursuant to his letter, on what aspects of the Lockerbie case the Lord Advocate can volunteer a statement to the Scottish Grand Committee. [18095]
§ Mr. NewtonMy noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate cannot properly volunteer a statement on aspects of a particular criminal case. Although the Lord Advocate can make a statement to the Scottish Grand Committee under Standing Order No. 94D(2)(a) to facilitate his questioning by members of the Committee about a matter relating to his officials' responsibilities, to the extent that they fall within the order of reference of the Scottish Affairs Committee established under Standing Order No. 130, the consideration of individual cases is excluded under that standing order. In this regard, the Lockerbie case is no different from any other current criminal case.
In addition, provision is made under Standing Order No. 94D(2)(b) for a Law Officer to announce the policy of the Government on a matter relating to Scotland or the response of the Government to an event relating to Scotland. However, having regard to the interests of justice, it would be improper for the Lord Advocate to make any announcement giving details of the evidence or any investigative steps in relation to any criminal case while proceedings are pending. Once again, in this regard the Lockerbie case is no different from any other criminal case.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Lord President of the Council, pursuant to his letter, in what circumstances the Lord Advocate can attend the Scottish Grand Committee. [18094]
§ Mr. NewtonThe Lord Advocate, who is not a member of the Scottish Grand Committee, may attend the Committee by virtue of Standing Order No. 94D. Under paragraph (1) of that standing order, the Chairman of the Committee may permit a Scottish Law Officer, whether or not a member of the Committee, to make a statement, of which prior notice has been given to him, and to answer 1131W questions thereon put by members of the Committee. Paragraph (4) provides that a Law Officer who is not a member of the Committee may not make a statement from the body of the Committee, and shall not vote, make any motion or be counted in the quorum.