HC Deb 17 June 1988 vol 135 cc329-30W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has in relation to the number of licence holders who have been vetted by police before a licence is given; and whether his Department keeps information as to the type of licence applied for, the number of people refused a licence and the reasons therefor.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

The table shows health boards' expenditure on mental handicap in each year from 1981–82 to 1986–87. Information is not available for years before 1981–82.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

There are many different activities which are, or may be, subject to licensing under a wide range of enactments. In some cases—for example, under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976 or the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982—the chief constable has a statutory right to object to the grant or renewal of a licence. No information is collected centrally about the number of licences granted or refused under these enactments.