§ 21. Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was his advice to Lothian regional council before that council introduced the offer of self-defence courses in certain martial arts for council employees who have to deal directly with the public in matters affecting the poll-tax; if he will specify which forms of karate were considered; what payments he will offer the council; what lists he has received of cases in which officials have been threatened with violence; what consultation he has had with relevant trade unions on the matter; and what figures of poll-tax-related assault he has received from Sir William Sutherland QPM.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThis is entirely a matter for Lothian regional council and my right hon. and learned Friend has neither offered advice nor sought consultation with the trade unions. I understand, however, that the question of self-defence training for certain staff is still under consideration by the council and is not confined to staff dealing with the community charge. Any costs involved would need to be met in the normal way from the resources available to the authority. We have received no lists of cases where officials in Lothian region have been threatened with violence nor have we received from Sir William Sutherland any figures relating to the kind of assault described.