§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many cases under summary procedure in the most recent(a) three and (b) five years for which figures are available have involved the pleading diet being brought within 21 days; and if he will make a statement. [28634]
Lord James Douglas HamiltonThe subject of the question relates to matters undertaken by the Scottish Court Service. I have asked its chief executive, Michael Ewart, to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from Michael Ewart to Mr. Gordon McMaster, dated 20 June 1995:
Lord James Douglas Hamilton has asked me to reply to your question regarding the timing of pleading diets under summary procedure.Almost all summary criminal prosecutions in the Sheriff Courts are called at pleading diets which fall within 21 days of the date on which the papers are lodged with the Sheriff Clerk.