Written Question · S1W-28903 · Session 1
Further to the remarks by the Deputy First Minister in the debate on Peebles Sheriff Court on 27 June 2002 (Official Report, col 13282), wh…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the remarks by the Deputy First Minister in the debate on Peebles Sheriff Court on 27 June 2002 (Official Report, col 13282), when the Scottish Court Service will issue the consultation paper on alternatives for the provision of court services in Peebles given that it was to be done "as soon as possible"; who will be consulted; what the timetable for the consultation will be, and whether the consultation paper will include a full background and analysis of issues including court time spent discussing settlements and accelerating cases which reduces court sittings.
The answer
The consultation paper on the delivery of court services in the Peebles area is currently being finalised and should be issued by the end of September. It will be circulated to a wide range of bodies and individuals who have expressed an interest in this topic, including the judiciary, local magistrates, court users such as local solicitors as well as statutory authorities such as Borders Council, Lothian and Borders Police and the Procurator Fiscal Service. Copies of the consultation paper will also be sent to local members of the Scottish and UK Parliament. In addition copies will be made available at the Sheriff Clerk's office in Peebles and Selkirk for the public.The duration of the consultation period will be a minimum of 12 weeks from date of issue. The paper will contain statistical information on the wide range of business transacted at the court in addition to information on court sitting times.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S1W-28903 by reference.