HC Deb 26 November 1980 vol 994 cc435-6
39. Mr. Ancram

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland how many cases of violence or hooliganism arising out of or associated with games of football have been reported to his Department or to procurators fiscal since August of this year.

The Solicitor-General for Scotland

There is no separate record kept in fiscals' offices of offences which arise out of or are associated with games of football, and it is not possible within the short period available to give a totally accurate answer for the whole of Scotland. Approximately, there have been 500 cases reported since August as a result of incidents at or near football matches. The majority of these reports concern breaches of the peace and assaults.

Mr. Ancram

I am grateful to my hon. and learned Friend for that reply. Is he satisfied with the current procedure of charging in such offences? Has he, along with his noble and learned Friend, considered the possibility of using the charge of mobbing and rioting for the sort of behaviour that we saw at the end of the previous football season?

The Solicitor-General for Scotland

I think that the whole House takes extremely seriously the appalling distress that arises from football hooliganism. I sincerely trust and believe that the new Criminal Justice Act will have a considerable effect upon the sale of alcohol at football grounds. We all want there to be reasonable behaviour at football matches.

Mr. Harry Ewing

I question the hon. and learned Gentleman on a much more constructive matter than that raised by the hon. Member for Edinburgh, South (Mr. Ancram), namely, whether it is still the practice of his office that all these offences are prosecuted in the sheriff courts and none in the district courts.

The Solicitor-General for Scotland

On balance, yes, as we take a serious view of these matters. From time to time much more serious offences arise, which may be prosecuted in the High Court. People should understand that any misbehaviour associated with a public gathering such as a football match will be viewed in the most serious light.