§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his responsibilities in relation to the High Court of Justiciary as a criminal court of first instance and of appeal. [142391]
§ Dr. ReidI have no responsibilities in relation to the High Court of Justiciary. The operation of this Court is devolved. However, under the Scotland Act 1998 the continued existence of the High Court as a criminal court of first instance and of appeal is a reserved matter. That Act also provides that the Lord President of the Court of Session—who is also Lord Justice General of the High Court of Justiciary—and the Lord Justice Clerk are to be appointed by The Queen on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.