§ 33. Mr. Stodartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the decisions either to bring or not to bring prosecutions in respect of disturbances at Murray-field Rugby Ground, Edinburgh, Links-field Stadium, Aberdeen, and outside factories at East Kilbride and Grangemouth were taken by the Crown Office.
§ Mr. BuchanThe decision to take no proceedings in connection with the disturbances at East Kilbride was taken by Crown Counsel. All other decisions were taken by the local prosecutors of the districts concerned.
§ Mr. StodartWill the hon. Gentleman say whether it is true that outside the East Kilbride factory one policeman was rendered deaf for the rest of his life? In the face of this and of the figures which he gave to me a month ago, can he say why it is so much more difficult to get evidence against disturbers outside factories than, apparently, against students? Should not all offenders be prosecuted, regardless of who they are, when disturbances are created and the police are put into difficulties?
§ Mr. BuchanI do not accept the implication of that statement. People are treated according to the law, whether they are students or workers outside factories. A moment ago the suggestion was being made that students were not being prosecuted. This is a matter for the local Procurator Fiscal to decide in the light of all the evidence available.