Young First-time Offenders, Scotland

HL Deb 20 October 1999 vol 605 cc122-3WA

Lord Windlesham

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether referrals by the courts in Scotland of young first-time offenders to youth panels are mandatory or discretionary; and, if the latter, whether they will explain the discrepancy with mandatory referrals under Section 1 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999. [HL4129]

Baroness Ramsay of Cartvale

Since 1 July 1999, matters relating to the courts in Scotland are for the Scottish Parliament. Youth panels have not been established in Scotland. Young first-time offenders in Scotland will normally be referred to a children's hearing where a ground of referral under Section 52 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 can be established.