§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to introduce a witness protection scheme in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 19 May 1993]: My right hon. Friend has no plans to introduce a national witness protection scheme. Provision already exists in law to take action against people who threaten or injure witnesses. Decisions about the level of protection to provide for witnesses in individual cases are an operational matter for the police.