§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Solicitor-General for Scotland if he is satisfied with the adequacy of current safeguards for both the victims and the accused in cases of domestic assault in the light of experience with the operation of the Lord Advocate's guidelines on the subject with particular reference to the extent to which the interpretation of the guidelines is a matter for individual police officers in specific cases; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandThe guidelines issued by my noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate provide a source of general advice to police officers and cannot remove the need for the exercise of discretion in individual cases.
I am aware of the widespread concern in respect of domestic violence and share that concern. The matter is under constant review and every effort is made to ensure that such incidents are dealt with promptly and in an evenhanded manner.
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§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Solicitor-General for Scotland if, in the light of the proposals in the report by Scottish Women's Aid, a copy of which has been sent to him, he has any plans to issue guidelines to procurators fiscal on the police response to domestic assault; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandProcurators fiscal are aware of the revised guidelines issued to chief constables. There are no plans at present to issue further advice or directions to procurators fiscal.
§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Solicitor-General for Scotland if the Lord Advocate intends to issue guidelines on the police response to domestic violence in the light of the recent incident in which a man died after he was left by the police outside in the snow following an intervention by them in a domestic quarrel; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandThere are no plans to issue guidelines on this matter at present.