HC Deb 10 November 1976 vol 919 c410
46. Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Lord Advocate why he asked BBC Scotland to arrange a private viewing of the "Current Account" programme dealing with alleged para-military organisations in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

The Lord Advocate

I saw the programme live on television. I did not personally ask BBC Scotland for a private viewing. As the programme appeared to indicate that offences had been committed in Scotland, I instructed the procurator fiscal at Glasgow to investigate and report to me. He obtained a private viewing of the programme and I hope that he will be in a position to report to me in the near future.

Mr. Taylor

Does the Lord Advocate agree that Scotland has been fortunate in having a limited number of terrorist outrages compared with Ulster? Ought not the BBC and other media to show the greatest caution in making such programmes? Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman investigating, or will the prosecuting authorities investigate, a newspaper report that one of the so-called terrorists was offered a substantial sum in expenses only on condition that he said something sensational?

The Lord Advocate

I note the earlier point which the hon. Gentleman has made and I entirely agree with it. I am satisfied that we have not had the same amount of terrorist activity in Scotland.