§ 47. Mr. Foulkesasked the Solicitor-General for Scotland what discussions he has had with sheriffs' courts on cases involving miners.
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandI have not had any such discussions.
§ 50. Mr. Hendersonasked the Solicitor-General for Scotland how many prosecutions in Fife and Scotland have been or are being pursued relating to violence and other offences and crimes, arising out of the current industrial dispute in the coal industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandAs at 28 November 1984, 200 persons have been prosecuted in Fife for offences arising out of the mining dispute. The comparable figure for Scotland as a whole is approximately 800. The majority of accused have been charges with breach of the peace or obstruction of the202W police in the execution of their duty. However, there is also a small but nevertheless disturbing number of persons who have been charged with assault. There is an underlying element of violence and intimidation in many of those cases where the charge is that of breach of the peace or obstruction.