§ 16. Major COLVILLEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he proposes to introduce legislation to deal with the question of the probation of young offenders in Scotland?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. William Adamson)I am not yet in a position to state the date on which a Probation Bill for Scotland will be introduced.
§ Major COLVILLEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Scotland is much behind England in this matter of probation, and can he take steps to expedite legislation in this respect?
§ Mr. ADAMSONI do not think that the hon. and gallant Member can be aware that I intimated in answer to a previous question that the Bill had been drafted.
§ Mr. BUCHANANCannot the right hon. Gentleman, in the meantime, take steps to see that juvenile offenders are treated as the present law allows them to be treated without harsh sentences being handed out to them?
§ Mr. ADAMSONThis is a matter which is reviewed from time to time, as I have stated in reply to a previous question.