HC Deb 13 October 1976 vol 917 cc425-6
32. Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Lord Advocate when he next intends to pay an official visit to the Glasgow Sheriff Court.

34. Mr. Monro

asked the Lord Advocate when he next proposes to visit Glasgow Sheriff Court.

The Lord Advocate

I have no plans at present to make an official visit to Glasgow Sheriff Court.

Mr. Taylor

If the Lord Advocate will not go to Glasgow, will he discuss with the sheriffs of Scotland the appropriateness of the sentences that they impose for hooliganism at football matches? In particular, will he consider whether powers are available to sheriffs to require people found guilty of football hooliganism to report regularly on Saturday afternoons to police stations in a sober condition?

The Lord Advocate

I take note of the suggestion made by the hon. Gentleman about hooligans reporting to police stations. I think it may be that we require wider powers of disposal for our courts than we have now. However, that is not a matter directly put to me in the Question.

As regards prosecutions for which I am responsible, we ensure that, so far as possible, serious cases of football hooliganism, which arise mainly inside football grounds, are dealt with only in sheriff courts. That ensures that the penalties that can be imposed are substantial. When incidents arise outside football grounds, where possible we prosecute such cases in district courts, unless there is a specially serious aspect which deserves consideration by the sheriff court.

We do our best in the Crown Office and the procurator fiscal service to ensure that these incidents are treated with the seriousness they deserve. It is not for me to comment on the sentences that are imposed. The courts are wholly independent in their sentencing.

Mr. Monro

I appreciate what the Lord Advocate has said about the severity of sentences, but will he take an early opportunity to have further discussions with procurator-fiscals and the police to see whether individuals are being charged with severe enough offences which can result in the imposition of long custodial sentences by the courts?

The Lord Advocate

I shall be happy to do that.

Mr. MacCormick

Would the Lord Advocate care to say whether he has considered the question of hooliganism at political meetings in Cathcart and Glasgow, and therefore make a comment?

The Lord Advocate

I am happy to say that the last time I was in Cathcart canvassing I found it to be very peaceful.