§ Mr. Rifkindasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many persons, presently serving as members of children's panels, are known to have previous criminal convictions.
§ Mr. McElhoneI am having the available information compiled and I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Rifkindasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement on his policy of appointing as members of children's panels, persons with previous criminal convictions.
§ Mr. McElhonePersons with previous criminal convictions are not automatically excluded from consideration for appointment as panel members. Before advising 685W me on the suitability of persons for appointment children's panel advisory committees obtain extensive information on and interview potential candidates; full account is taken, amongst other factors, of the nature and date of any previous convictions, before decisions are reached.
§ Mr. Rifkindasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement on the appointment as a member of the North-West Area Children's Panel in Glasgow, of a person who has previous convictions for reset and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
§ Mr. McElhoneI am having inquiries made into the case to which the hon. Member refers and I shall write to him as soon as possible.