HC Deb 22 March 1983 vol 39 cc365-6W
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he proposes to take any action in the light of the decision by the Secretary of State for the Home Department to issue guidance to chief police officers in England and Wales on the investigation of offences of rape.

Mr. Younger

My hon. Friend, the Member for Edinburgh, Pentlands (Mr. Rifkind) explained in his reply to the hon. Member for Dundee, West (Mr. Ross) on 9 February 1982—[Vol. 17, c. 364] —that a research study into the processing of sexual assault cases, including investigation by the police, medical procedures and court experiences, was being conducted by my Department and that we preferred to await the outcome of that study before considering whether major changes in the present arrangements in Scotland were needed. The first part of the study, which deals with investigation by the police, is now complete and will be published shortly. I shall arrange for copies to be placed in the Library. We shall be considering, in the light of the findings in the first part of the study, whether further guidance should be issued to chief constables in Scotland in relation to the investigation of rape.

Mr. John MacKay

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