Written question asked by Lord McFall of Alcluith (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 28 February 1997. It was answered by Lord Forsyth of Drumlean (Conservative) on Friday, 28 February 1997 on behalf of the Scottish Office.

Scottish Office

Question: What plans he has to establish a national paedophile register in Scotland. Includes fact that Scottish Criminal Record Office already acts as a register of convicted sex offenders. That includes paedophiles and ref to Cm 3302.

Answer: Mr. McFall: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to establish a national paedophile register in Scotland. [18226] Mr. Forsyth: The Government's plans have been clear for some time and will, subject to parliamentary approval, soon be implemented. The crime and punishment White Paper, Cm 3302, published in June 1996, noted that the Scottish Criminal Record Office already acts as a register of convicted sex offenders. That includes paedophiles. The White Paper committed the Government to require convicted sex offenders to notify the police of any change of address, so that the register can be kept fully up to date. The Sex Offenders Bill, now before the House, fulfils that commitment, as the hon. Member must be aware from his own involvement on the Committee of the Bill.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 18226; 291 c451W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Disclosure of information Databases Criminal records Offenders Paedophilia Scotland Sexual offences Scottish Criminal Record Office