Seòmar agus comataidhean

My question follows on from Jamie Greene’s. When we visited the sheriff court, I think that Sheriff Joan Kerr commented, more in relation to solemn cases than to summary ones, that the accused often do not even apply for bail but, instead, automatically go on remand. Obviously, that depends on the case. Are there statistics or data to suggest that there has been a shift in that regard?

Yes.

I have a supplementary question. Is it also possible to have details on the geographical spread, to see whether there is a trend in certain areas or regions? That would be really helpful.

Can you provide percentages or numbers in relation to that?

My other question is an overarching one. In your submissions, you look at each of the sections in the bill. Rather than a critical analysis, do you have any suggestions for amendments to the bill?

I have no further questions.

Can I flip this around? I agree with Edward Mountain about the length of time that it takes for a motion to be approved. I am going to link this to CPGs, which is relevant to what we have been discussing today. I am a member of the CPG on medicinal cannabis, which is an issue that affects a constituent of mine. Given the evidence that was presented at that CPG, I lodged a motion and I got such strong support for it that it was the first time that I was able to lead a members’ business debate in the chamber. That was really effective, and it is evidence of how effectively CPGs can work and how motions can take such issues forward.

Equally, some of the motions that have been lodged are particularly weak, and I strongly agree with Edward Mountain on that, as well as with Graeme Dey’s letter.

Good morning. I will touch on the issue of release on licence for long-term prisoners. As an independent prison monitor, Wendy Sinclair-Gieben will know that one of the biggest issues is progression through a long-term sentence. One of the stark stats is that the open prison is being utilised at only 52 per cent or something at the moment. The bill will remove the home detention curfew and introduce a reintegration licence, and there will be a new system of temporary release. In relation to temporary release, the situation in the open prison does not bode well, does it?

David, do you want to come in?

Okay. That is interesting.