§ 43. Mr. Bill Walkerasked the Solicitor-General for Scotland how many prosecutions have resulted from breaches of the peace whch have been caused by the flying of flags since 1 July 1980.
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandThere have been, so far as I am aware, no prosecutions resulting from breaches of the peace caused by the flying of flags since 1 July 1980.
§ Mr. WalkerI thank my hon. and learned Friend for that reply. Does he agree that there are outstanding problems in the city of Dundee where incidents relating to the flying of a flag and the defacing of Jewish buildings and other such matters have occurred?
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandThere may be circumstances where the flying of flags or banners contributes to circumstances which could amount to a breach of the peace, and if such are reported to the procurator fiscal prosecution may result.
§ Mr. Ernie RossIs the Solicitor-General aware that when the police examined the synagogue that was unfortunately daubed with slogans they confirmed that the gang slogans on the building could be seen on many walls in Dundee? Is he aware that they have nothing to do with flags? They are more a symptom of our present society which does not give young people jobs, something that causes problems in the inner cities. Such daubings can be seen in towns and cities throughout Great Britain.
The Solicitor-GeneralI have no reason to believe that the daubing of buildings and other vandalism is justified by any excuse, and it should not be stimulated by any activity.
§ Mr. Allan StewartDoes my hon. and learned Friend agree that the flying of the PLO flag in Dundee has created a sense of outrage throughout the Scottish community?
The Solicitor-GeneralThat may very well be so, and it will have its repercussions, but not necessarily in the prosecution of a criminal offence.