§ Sir Russell JohnstonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he proposes to take in response to recommendation 1245 (1994) of the parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe relating to detention pending trial; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonRecommendation 1245 (1994) of the parliamentary Assembly of the 343W Council of Europe has yet to be approved by the Committee of Ministers. The existing requirements in Scots law in relation to the detention of persons pending trial are designed to balance the interests of the accused and the presumption of innocence with the interests of justice and public safety.