§ Mr. David Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends to implement the recommendations of the Scottish Home and Health Department's report on prosecuting sexual assault.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonI refer the hon. Member to the answer which my right hon. and learned Friend has today given to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Govan (Mr. Wray).
§ Mr. Millanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the organisations that have sent him comments on the Scottish Home and Health Department's report "Prosecuting Sexual Assaults" and if he intends to implement the recommendations in the report.
§ Mr. Norman Hoggasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he is taking, following publication of the Scottish Home and Health Department's report "Prosecuting Sexual Assault"; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindI have to date received comments from the rape crisis centres for Edinburgh and Strathclyde on the Scottish Office social research study "Prosecuting Sexual Assault". The report did not contain formal recommendations but a number of changes in procedures relating to the prosecution of alleged sexual assaults have been taken in the light of the conclusions of the study. In particular, restrictions on evidence at trials of rape and other sexual offences have been introduced by the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985. The effects of these changes are now being monitored as part of an independent research study funded by my Department.