Friday 19 March 1999

The Scottish Legal Aid Board has instigated an internal investigation into accounts assessment procedures. A senior member of staff has been suspended on full pay, pending the results of the enquiry.

An initial report is being prepared for a meeting of the Board early next week.

Jean Couper, Chairman of the Scottish Legal Aid Board said:

"This issue is of utmost concern to the Board and we have immediately instigated a rigorous investigation into this matter.

We have instructed our external auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers and legal advisers MacLay Murray & Spens to provide independent guidance and support into the conduct of the investigation.

A full report will be made to the Board as soon as possible and we will not hesitate to take the action needed to address whatever problems are identified".