§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what research is being undertaken into the incidence of battered wives in Scotland; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with the problems.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonRecently completed research commissioned by the Scottish Home and Health Department into the working of the Matrimonial Homes (Family Protection) (Scotland) Act 1981 examined, among other matters, the influence of the Act on the incidence of domestic violence. I hope soon to publish the report of this research.
The provision of services for the victims of domestic violence is the responsibility of local authorities, which are assisted by Scottish Women's Aid, a voluntary organisation which receives grant assistance from my right hon. and learned Friend.