Sodomy: Scotland

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 7:45 pm on 13 November 2000.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Lord Elton Lord Elton Conservative 7:45, 13 November 2000

I intervene briefly to ask the Minister whether he can accept the principle I mentioned. I accept the point about legislation on a piecemeal basis. However, what interests me is the whole question of anonymity where an unjust charge can destroy someone as effectively as if that person were convicted of it. The Minister's answer is that other persons interested in a case have the right to know what is going on. Presumably, the relatives of the child making the allegation will know because in loco parentis they will have the right to know. I take it that when the Minister said that he, as a parent, had a right to know he meant as a parent of another child in the class. Is that the case?