Written question asked by Tony Worthington (Labour) on Thursday, 4 February 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 February 1999. It was answered by Henry McLeish (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 February 1999 on behalf of the Scottish Office.

Scottish Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what guidelines are given to procurators fiscal about the use of fiscal fines.

Answer: Mr. Worthington: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidelines are given to procurators fiscal about the use of fiscal fines. [70187] Mr. McLeish: My noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate, who is responsible for the prosecution of crime in Scotland, informs me that guidelines have been issued to procurators fiscal to ensure a consistent approach to the use of fiscal fines and to encourage them to make more extensive use of this alternative to prosecution in the district court. The details of those guidelines form part of prosecution policy and are confidential. From 1 July 1999 this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 70187; 325 c278W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Criminal proceedings Courts Convictions Fines Prosecutions Lord Advocate Scotland Scottish courts Procurators fiscal