§ Sir Robert SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the policy of zero tolerance for particular crimes; what proposals he intends to implement which are based on zero tolerance approaches; and if he will make a statement. [79869]
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§ Mr. McLeishNo assessment has been made by The Scottish Office of the policy of zero tolerance in relation to certain crimes. However, the Government are satisfied that the strong measures they have introduced on handguns, sex offenders, racial harassment and anti-social behaviour will be successful. The Government's paramount concern is public safety and the way in which crime in Scotland is being tackled is set out in "A Safer Scotland: Tackling Crime and its Causes" which was published on 9 February. Copies of the publication were placed in the House of Commons Library.
From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.