§ Mr. Dewarasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many fine enforcement officers are now in post in Scotland; in what sheriff court districts they are based; whether the percentage of fines unpaid in those districts as a percentage of total fines imposed has varied since their appointment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindFollowing the completion of a successful experiment, fines officers are presently in post in Scotland based in the sheriff courts at Glasgow (three), Edinburgh (two), Airdrie (one) and Hamilton (one). The fines officers based at Edinburgh, Airdrie and Hamilton were appointed on 1 July 1985, and those based at Glasgow on 3 February 1986.
Given the relatively recent appointment of the seven fines officers, it is still too early to determine whether the percentage of fines unpaid in those districts as a percentage of total fines imposed has changed.
Arrangements are in hand for the appointment of an additional eight fines officers once consultation on their possible deployment has been completed.