HL Deb 28 January 1998 vol 585 cc46-7WA
Lord Hogg of Cumbernauld

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the requirements placed upon Scottish police forces and social work departments to communicate in operational matters where both have a direct responsibility and involvement.

Lord Sewel

The sharing of information between the police and social work services is a matter for local discretion and is considered on a case by case basis. The guidance issued by the Scottish Office on the implementation of the Sex Offenders Act 1997 encouraged police forces and social work services to agree arrangements about how and when information should be passed on. The provisions on sex offender orders currently before Parliament would require the police to consult the relevant local authority before applying for an order.