§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what working parties have been formed to review the operations of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968; what recommendations have been made regarding the powers available to children's hearings; what consultations are in progress; and when legislation is envisaged.
§ Mr. McElhoneThe operation of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 is kept under review by my Department and by the Advisory Council on Social Work in consultation with other interests. My right hon. Friend is considering the comments received from the Council and a number of other bodies which have been consulted about possible changes in the powers of children's hearings. Consultations are also in progress on recommendations on this subject contained in the recent reports of the Committee on Truancy and Indiscipline in Schools, the 559W Committee on Reparation and the Working Party on Football Crowd Behaviour. Some of the possible changes which have been suggested would require legislation, and my right hon. Friend will announce his proposals in due course.