57. Duchess of ATHOLLasked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the fact that the Home Secretary has recently set up a Committee to inquire into the question of assaults and other sexual offences committed against children and young girls in England and Wales, he will consider the advisability either of setting up a Committee to inquire into the same question as regards Scotland or else of arranging with the Home Secretary that the reference to his Committee shall be widened in order to include Scotland, and that a Scottish representative or representatives shall be added to the Committee for this purpose?
Mr. ADAMSONIn view of the differences in the systems of criminal investigation and prosecution in operation in England and Scotland respectively, I do not think that the course proposed by the Noble Lady of extending the reference of the Committee appointed by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary would be satisfactory, even if Scottish representation were added to the Committee. As regards the question, of a separate inquiry in Scotland, I would refer the Noble Lady to the reply to her question on this subject on 7th July last. I am, however, prepared to reconsider the matter in the light of the information which I undertook to obtain in response 2924 to her question on the 4th August, and of any further facts which she may care to submit.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the right hon. Gentleman prepared to receive a deputation of Scottish Members in reference to this subject?