§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy on the(a) production of and (b) charging for fatal accident inquiry transcripts. [73189]
§ Mr. DewarThe arrangements are prescribed in the Fatal Accident and Sudden Deaths Inquiry Rules, 1977. A transcript of the evidence in a Fatal Accident Inquiry will be extended only if the Sheriff so directs or if 399W requested within a period of three months of the Sheriff's Determination by any party who has an interest in the Inquiry.
Where the Sheriff has requested a transcript of the evidence the cost of transcription is met by the Scottish Court Service and interested parties may obtain copies at a cost of £1 per page for the first 10 pages and 30p per page thereafter. Where an interested party has requested a transcript they are responsible for the full cost of transcription.
From 1 July 1999 this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.