Written question asked by John Robertson (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 May 2001. It was answered by Baroness Clark of Calton (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 May 2001 on behalf of the Advocate General for Scotland.

Advocate General for Scotland

Question: To ask the Advocate General for Scotland, What criteria she applies in reaching her decisions on which devolution issue cases to intervene in. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: John Robertson: To ask the Advocate-General what criteria she applies in reaching her decisions on which devolution issue cases to intervene in. [159317] The Advocate-General for Scotland: I examine every devolution issue intimated to me before determining whether or not to intervene. The criteria I apply are not rigid, and generally I intervene, at appeal or Privy Council level, where the case raises important issues of principle for the UK as a whole. Many cases involving devolution issues raise similar points and are dealt with satisfactorily by the lower courts and therefore I intervene less frequently at first instance.

Secondary information