Written question asked by Maria Fyfe (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 March 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 23 March 1999. It was answered by Henry McLeish (Labour) on Tuesday, 23 March 1999 on behalf of the Scottish Office.

Scottish Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, What discussions he had had with the Association of Sheriffs in Scotland concerning sentencing policy for women. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Mrs. Fyfe: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Association of Sheriffs in Scotland concerning sentencing policy for women. [76322] Mr. McLeish: I meet Sheriffs regularly and discuss various matters. Of course, sentencing is a matter for the courts. The Government's role is to ensure that the courts have a range of effective disposals for offenders. We have set up a project in Glasgow under the chairmanship of Professor Sheila McLean to tackle the particular issues related to female offenders. We have introduced Supervised Attendance Orders to all sheriff and district courts throughout Scotland, to ensure that an alternative to custody for fine default is always available. From 1 July 1999 this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

Secondary information