HC Deb 15 June 1990 vol 174 cc365-6W
Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his reply of 11 June, relating to Graeme Stewart and John Allan Milligan, what criteria are used to decide whether to institute proceedings under section 1 of the Official Secrets Act 1911.

Mr. McFall

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, further to his reply to the hon. Member for Dumbarton of 11 June relating to Graeme Stewart and John Allan Milligan, what criteria are used when deciding whether to prosecute under section 1 of the Official Secrets Act 1911.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

[holding answer 14 June 1990]: When deciding whether or not to institute criminal proceedings in any case reported to him, the public Government Departments in the field of child protection and to develop consistent policies across the range of Government responsibilities. Examples of issues in respect of which officials have taken account of the group's discussions in advising Ministers include:

  1. (i) guidance on child protection which was issued to all agencies in July 1988 as part of the Government's response to the Butler-Sloss report;
  2. (ii) training;
  3. (iii) implications of the Children Act;
  4. (iv) research, and
  5. (v) management and treatment of perpetrators of child sexual abuse.

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