HL Deb 30 March 1954 vol 186 cc777-8

2.47 p.m.

LORD SALTOUN

My Lords, I beg to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government if they have noted the case where a man under the Prevention of Crime Act, after being punished for threatening to use a skean-dhu, was punished in addition for carrying it; and having regard to the fact that a skean-dhu is carried openly, and also to the assurances given by Her Majesty's Government when the Second Reading of the Bill was debated, whether they propose to take any step to assure the people of Scotland that a customary native dress is not to be proscribed, as in the years after 1745, with all the dismal consequences that ensued upon the proscription.]

THE MINISTER OF STATE, SCOTTISH OFFICE (THE EARL OF HOME)

My Lords, this man was convicted of having an offensive weapon with him in a public place because he brandished his skean-dhu in a manner which indicated that he intended to use it to injure two policemen. My right honourable friend, the Lord Advocate, is, however, taking steps to ensure that if a similar case arises again the statutory charge will not be included against the offender. I can assure the noble Lord that no departure from the assurances with regard to the wearing of a skean-dhu as part of Highland dress is intended.

LORD SALTOUN

My Lords, I should like to thank the noble Earl for his Answer. I am very grateful.