§ Lord James Douglas-Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the community service order system will be expanded; whether he will consider enlarging the grant from its present level; and if he is satisfied that there are sufficient opportunities for further expansion in all areas.
§ Mr. John MacKayCommunity service is at present available to 31 of the 49 sheriff courts in Scotland serving a total population of some 4 million. The terms of the grant were revised in 1983 following consultation with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, and I shall be glad to consider proposals by authorities for further expansion of the scheme to other areas.