Concern has been voiced about judges' workload

Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson is asking MSPs to agree an increase of two Court of Session judges.

It follows pressure from the Lord President, Lord Cullen - Scotland's senior judge - for a boost to cope with the workload.

He is concerned about the rising number of cases going through the High Court and Court of Session.

Ms Jamieson told parliament it was "tangible evidence" of the Scottish Executive's commitment to an efficient and effective court system.

We have acted promptly to deal with unacceptable backlogs Cathy Jamieson MSP Justice Minister

"We intend to bring the necessary order before the parliament as soon as possible," she told MSPs at the start of the second day of debate on the executive's legislative plans for government in the next year," she said.

"Since devolution five years ago, the executive has invested heavily in giving the courts and the prosecution service the extra resources they need."

Ms Jamieson insisted: "We have led from the front with radical legislation to address and reform our High Courts, freeing up time and tackling the culture of delay - reforms that will reduce the number of cases in our High Courts by up to 20 per cent with less uncertainty and hassle for the remaining 80 per cent of cases.

"We have acted promptly to deal with unacceptable backlogs in the Appeal Court by adding to the pool of temporary judges - moves that have cut delays."

The Conservatives' justice spokeswoman, Annabel Goldie, highlighted the "lurking ogre" of unreported crimes.

"The main concern of my party is that the fundamental, radical flaws and difficulties in our justice system and law and order in Scotland have not been addressed in the last five years by this executive and there's nothing in this programme to suggest that these will be addressed," she said.