HC Deb 13 April 1999 vol 329 c204W
Sir Robert Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his Department's research into the Hamilton Child Safety Initiative. [79931]

Mr. McLeish

In October 1997, Strathclyde Police, in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council, set up the Hamilton Child Safety Initiative (HCSI) within 3 peripheral housing estates in the town of Hamilton. The HCSI was a response to community concerns about the safety of young children, especially those under 12, out alone on the streets after dark. Secondary aims of the Initiative were to reduce opportunities for juvenile crime and disorder and to reduce the fear of crime in the communities concerned.

Research was commissioned by Strathclyde Police and The Scottish Office to evaluate the impact of the HCSI. A Researching Findings paper was published on 15 October 1998 followed by the full research report on 11 February 1999. Both publications have been placed in the House of Commons Library.

From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.