How many (a) cases have been referred to procurator fiscal offices and (b) prosecutions have taken place under sections 51 and 52 of the Ci…

Figures dating from the introduction of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 are not available. The following table lists the number of cases received for each of sections 51, 52 and 52A of the 1982 Act in the years 1999-2001 and the number of cases which were marked to proceed in court. Due to a change in computer system, I am unable to confirm the number of cases which proceeded to trial or in which a plea was accepted.Of the cases which were not marked to proceed in court a number were referred to the Children's Reporter, a number were associated with other cases against the same accused, and others were marked "no proceedings". | 1999 Reports Received | 1999 Court Proceedings | 2000Reports Received | 2000Court Proceedings | 2001Reports Received | 2001Court Proceedings
Section 51 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 7 | 6
Section 52 | 6 | 6 | 19 | 17 | 43 | 41
Section 52A | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 31 | 22
Grand Total | 19 | 16 | 32 | 28 | 81 | 69
Notes:1. Section 51 relates to the display and distribution of obscene material.2. Section 52 relates to the taking, making, distribution and publication of indecent photographs of children.3. Section 52A relates to the possession of indecent photographs of children.