§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many claimants of disability working allowance are also in receipt of exemption from prescription charges by reason of(a) low income and (b) prescribed illness or condition;
(2) what is his estimate of the number and types of eligible persons who fail to claim exemption from prescription charges.
358W
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 17 February 1993]: On conviction in drug trafficking cases the court may, in addition to imposing a sentence of imprisonment, impose a fine, order the forfeiture of specific assets (including drugs, cash and vehicles) and, in the case of the High Court, make a confiscation order. A confiscation order is an order to pay a sum of money and does not relate to specific assets, although specific assets may be realised to enforce it. Forfeiture is extensively ordered by the courts in drug trafficking cases, but figures are not available in the form sought. Confiscation orders were made by the High Court in each of the last four years as follows:
Strathclyde £ Scotland £ 1989 15,000 26,795.70 1990 Nil Nil 1991 Nil 83,963.38 1992 17,490.36 17,490.36