§ Mr. SarwarTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action the Government are taking to improve the(a) co-ordination and (b) promotion of crime prevention initiatives. [69403]
§ Mr. McLeishThe Scottish Office Crime Prevention Unit has responsibility for co-ordinating crime prevention in Scotland. This is done in collaboration with Scottish police forces, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and a wide range of national agencies.
On 16 June 1998, I announced to the Scottish Grand Committee a new community safety strategy for Scotland—"Safer Communities Through Partnership—A Strategy for Action". The Strategy for Action, which was jointly agreed by The Scottish Office, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, is designed to reduce crime and improve community safety through well co-ordinated partnerships between public, private and voluntary bodies.
I welcome the fact that a number of partnerships have already been formed. To support this, The Scottish Office will publish, in May, comprehensive guidance to assist in the development of such partnerships. It will include examples of current good practice.
The Scottish Office constantly promotes crime prevention initiatives. The latest example is a renewed campaign against domestic violence.
From 1 July 1999 this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.