Referendum (Hansard, 14 February 1979)

§ Mr. Reid

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will commission an independent survey in sample areas of Scotland immediately after publication of the new electoral register on 16 February to determine the margin of inaccuracy

		1972	1973	1974	1975	1976	1977
Number of children prosecuted	…	2,554	3,192	2,990	2,262	2,094	1,727
Number of referrals to reporters	…	24,219	29,566	31,876	30,022	29,514	27,001
							(provisional)

These figures indicate that since 1974 there has been a welcome reduction in the number of children prosecuted and in the number of cases referred to reporters, but I shall continue to keep this matter under review.

I have considered the results of consultations instituted by my Department in 1975 on the powers and procedures of children's hearings and court proceedings in which children are prosecuted. As was to be expected, views varied widely among those consulted as to the nature and extent of the changes that should be made.

So far as concerns children appearing before the courts, I have concluded that the prohibition, unless the court or the Secretary of State otherwise directs, of the publication of their identity which at present applies in certain circumstances should be extended to all children under the age of 16. I do not consider that the High Court should be required to remit to the children's hearing for advice cases of children under supervision requirements who are found guilty of grave offences but that there should be a power to do so. Legislative provision for these and certain minor technical changes 582W as it affects the referendum and the 40 per cent. qualifying figure.