§ Mr. McAllionTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has held with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities relating to the placing of a statutory obligation on local authorities to provide services for victims of crime in their areas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 1 November 1993]: The Scottish Office have not held any discussions with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities relating to the placing of a statutory obligation on local authorities to provide services for victims of crime in their areas.
Local authorities already have a victim support role as part of their general duty to support those in need and this is augmented by specialist assistance from social work departments if required. The Scottish Association of Victim Support Schemes (SAVSS) provides short-term support to victims of crime. The volunteer commitment is the essential component of this important service in the Government's view, and does not lend itself to a statutory approach.
Over the period 1 July 1992 to 30 June 1993, 38,447 victims were offered help by 62 local schemes.