Tough on crime

I was shocked to read some of the quotes attributed to me in your article (your report, 9 March), entitled "Government mission to seize criminal assets is 'just a laughing stock'" following the Serious Crime Summit which was held in Glasgow on 8 March and which I chaired.

Your article suggests that I am neither supportive nor appreciative of the work carried out by the Scottish Government, particularly the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Kenny MacAskill, with regard to his action on the Proceeds of Crime legislation. Contrary to the tone and headline of the article, I recognise the great work being carried out by Mr MacAskill and his team. In just over two years they have achieved considerably more than was achieved in the previous eight years under the Labour-led administration – at no time did I use the words "laughing stock" to describe any of the actions taken by the Justice Secretary or his department. This could not be further from the truth.

At the serious organised crime summit, which had cross-party attendance, I praised the publication of the Scottish Government's strategy on tackling serious organised crime, "Letting Our Communities Flourish", as well as recognising the work of the police and specialist organisations such as the SCDEA. I would commend the strategy to all those with an interest in the subject.

The point I was making in my interview with your paper was that it is my belief, based on my work on the streets of the north of Glasgow and from feedback in ward surgeries, that we must continue to address the problems associated with those profiting from the proceeds of serious crime and make the process as speedy as possible.

COUNCILLOR BILLY MCALLISTER

City Chambers East Building

Glasgow