§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to deal with the increase in juvenile crime; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 2 March 1993]: Under the Lord Advocate's direction of 1987 most juvenile offenders up to age 16 are referred to the reporter to the children's panel to consider compulsory measures of care. In 1990 24,700 referrals were made to reporters. Children's panels have available to them the full range of disposals from home supervision and foster care to residential care and secure accommodation to enable them to deal effectively with juvenile offending.