The Director of the Public Defence Solicitors' Office (PDSO), Alistair Watson, today welcomed the Justice Minister's announcement that two further PDSO's are to open in Glasgow and Inverness.

Commenting on the announcement Mr Watson said: "I am of course very pleased by the minister's announcement which implements the provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 2003. The PDSO has made considerable progress throughout the five years to date. This will allow us to continue this progress both in terms of efficiency and cost effectiveness."

"I now very much look forward to meeting professional colleagues in both cities to take forward the implementation of these schemes. I am very anxious to listen to any constructive views which local solicitors may have and perhaps to allay any misplaced fears as to how the offices might operate."

"At this stage I would envisage the new offices being relatively small practices working within a fairly large area. I am confident that the profession in each area can accommodate a PDSO without any significant adverse impact on local businesses".

Mr Watson added "The PDSO can have substantial benefit to the public as it increases the choice of solicitor type available, it does so at reasonable cost, and has the potential to ensure that there is no unmet need either in cases which might be expensive to defend or in geographic terms".

It is understood that Mr Watson intends to travel to meet local solicitors in both places within the next week or so to discuss the practical issues which arise.

ENDS

For more information contact Alistair Watson, tel 0131 557 1222

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. The PDSO was established in October, 1998, initially as a five year pilot. The initial five year "sunset clause" was removed by the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act, 2003, earlier this year.

2. Research commissioned by the Scottish Executive looked at the operation of the office in its first two years. The research found that at that time "PDSO and private sector costs were not significantly different". It was however found that PDSO cases resulted in savings of approximately 16% to other parts of the Justice system. Since then PDSO costs have fallen each year and are now approximately 20% less than they were at the time the research was carried out.

3. Although the PDSO initially had clients directed to it through date of birth, this was discontinued in June, 2000. Since July, 2000, all clients who use the PDSO do so through choice. The PDSO handles over 1100 cases per year.

4. Alistair Watson, the director of the PDSO, was appointed in April 1998, and leads a team of 5 criminal defence lawyers in the Edinburgh Office. As director, Mr Watson will have responsibility for the management of the two new offices.

ENDS