Written question asked by Lord Kirkwood of Kirkhope (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 March 1997. It was answered by Lord Selkirk of Douglas (Conservative) on Thursday, 20 March 1997 on behalf of the Scottish Office.

Scottish Office;Scottish Prison Service

Question: What percentage of criminals currently serving time for offences in Scotland were previously convicted of offences when they were aged under 18 years. - Text of letter from E W Frizzell of the Scottish Prison Service. Inc fact that the information requested is not collected centrally.

Answer: Mr. Kirkwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of criminals currently serving time for offences in Scotland were previously convicted of offences when they were aged under 18 years; and if he will make a statement. [21273] Lord James Douglas-Hamilton: The subject of this question relates to matters undertaken by the Scottish Prison Service. I have asked its chief executive, Mr. E. W. Frizzell to arrange for a reply to be given. Letter from E. W. Frizzell to Mr. Archy Kirkwood, dated 20 March 1997: Lord James Douglas-Hamilton has asked me to reply to your Question about what percentage of criminals currently serving time for offences in Scotland were previously convicted of offences when they were aged under 18 years. The information requested is not collected centrally.

Secondary information