§ 4. Mr. ButlerTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the effects of his proposals to introduce minimum sentences in Scotland with particular reference to the safety of the public. [3462]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe proposals in the Crime and Punishment (Scotland) Bill for automatic life sentences for repeat sexual or violent offenders and for a minimum sentence of seven years for a third conviction for trafficking in class A drugs demonstrate our determination to provide the public with the protection they deserve.