§ Mr. DarlingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidelines the Lord Advocate issued to procurators fiscal in connection with the granting of bail(a) before 26 April 1986 and (b) thereafter; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 4 March 1988]: Instructions were issued to procurators fiscal following the coming into force of the Bail etc. (Scotland) Act 1980. These instructions were current on 26 April 1986. They have recently been revised and re-issued. The date, 26 April 1986, is without significance in this connection.
§ Mr. DarlingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if guidelines are issued to procurators fiscal concerning policy on whether or not to oppose bail in cases where an accused person offers to provide information to the police in respect of a third party.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 4 March 1988]: No. Procurators fiscal are expected to exercise their discretion in the light of all relevant factors affecting the public interest in such cases.