HC Deb 20 March 1979 vol 964 cc1449-50

' No days falling within the emergency period shall count in the computing of the 28 days time-limit specified in section 42(4) of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 (within which period referrals from a children's hearing must be heard by a Sheriff in Chambers.). '—[Lord James Douglas-Hamilton.]

Brought up, and read the First time.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.

At the time the new clause was put down, it seemed that referrals from children's hearings to sheriff courts might be time-barred. Since then I have received information from which it appears that these cases are going ahead. I should like the Lord Advocate to confirm that. In any case, the new clause may be covered by another part of the Bill. Perhaps the Lord Advocate will clarify that point.

The Lord Advocate

I am happy to respond to the point put to me by the hon. Member for Edinburgh, West (Lord James Douglas-Hamilton). I confirm that these referrals are proceeding in many areas. In so far as they are not proceeding in any area, they are covered by clause 2. Accordingly, with that reassurance, perhaps the hon. Gentleman will not press his new clause.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

I beg to ask leave to withdraw the motion.

Motion and clause, by leave, withdrawn.

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