§ Mr. Sproatasked the Lord Advocate if he will immediately circularise all chief constables to advise them to lay any evidence they may discover before procurators fiscal, with a view to criminal prosecution, if pickets are asking for contributions to strike funds, or other union or non-union funds, in return for allowing persons carrying goods to pass the picket lines.
The Lord Advocate:I have already instructed regional procurators fiscal to refer to the Crown Office any allegations arising out of the present picketing situation which might lead to charges of extortion or attempted extortion. Chief constables have been asked to report such allegations as a matter of urgency. No report has yet been received.