Children's Panels

HC Deb 09 November 1977 vol 938 cc134-5W

Mrs. Bain

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many positions on children's panels are currently vacant, giving a breakdown region by region.

Mr. McElhone:

Children's panel advisory committees are at present reviewing the number of panel members which will be needed in their respective areas in 1978, and until this work is completed no information is available on the required number of new appointments.

Mrs. Bain

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration he has given to extending the powers of children's panels; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. McElhone:

My right hon. Friend is considering the comments received from a number of bodies which have been consulted about possible changes in the powers of children's hearings. Consultations are also in progress on recommendations on this subject which are contained in recent reports of the Committee on Truancy and Indiscipline in Schools, the Committee on Reparation and the Working Party on Football Crowd Behaviour. My right hon. Friend will announce his conclusions in due course.