§ 41. Mr. Ancramasked the Solicitor-General for Scotland what proportion of reports to the procurators fiscal of offences relating to the crime of vandalism have resulted in prosecutions in the last year.
§ The Solicitor-General for Scotland (Mr. Peter Fraser)No figures are kept for the number of such cases where no proceedings are taken. However, in 1981, of those offences of vandalism made known to the police, 8,610 were cleared up in that one or more persons were apprehended, warned, cited or traced for the offence. Procurators fiscal took proceedings against 2,619 persons and approximately 91 per cent. of those were convicted. In addition, 1,332 children were referred to the reporters to the children's panels for such offences.
§ Mr. AncramI am grateful to my hon. and learned Friend for that reply. Is he aware that many such cases are not prosecuted because some witnesses, after they give evidence, suffer harassment and intimidation in their communities? That means that witnesses are less likely to come forward in future. Does he agree that that is a most insidious way of undermining law and order, and will he assure the House that he will direct procurators fiscal and the police to give proper protection to witnesses in such cases?
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandInterference with witnesses, especially before trials, is a very serious offence in Scotland. If my hon. Friend has any information for the police, I shall ensure that prosecutions are mounted.
§ Mr. Michael MartinIs the Solicitor-General for Scotland aware that my constituency has the highest multistorey flats in Europe and that in the Red road area there have been incidents of wilful fire-raising? Tenants have been fortunate in that no one has been hurt, although property has been severely damaged. The tenants believe that it would be helpful if there was proper security for those multi-storey flats. Does the hon. and learned Gentleman agree that he should meet his colleagues at the Scottish Office to discuss giving help to local authorities which would be willing to carry out such security measures and thus reduce vandalism in those flats?
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandAs the hon. Gentleman said, not only must we prosecute those who perpetrate such offences but every step must be taken to prevent such offences being committed. Security arrangements, more policing, and arrangements made in blocks of flats and tenements are important in avoiding such crimes.