text: consideration was being given to changing current legislation in that area. According to the report, of the total number of males indicted for rape in 1985, only half had been found guilty. She would appreciate an explanation of those figures. 109. Ms. PILATAXI PE ARENAS said that the increase in the number of cases of rape in England and Wales was alarming, although some of that increase could be attributed to wider reporting of the offence. In any event, the report made no mention of judicial proceedings with respect to sexual offences. She would appreciate more information regarding the guidelines on rape which had been issued by the Home Office in Scotland. 110. With respect to the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act of 1976, it was not clear why the question of consent to sexual intercourse had been incorporated into that legislation. If consent had been given, a sexual offence would, by definition, not exist. 111. Any act of sexual intercourse between children under the age of 14 should not be considered as rape. At the same time, there should be a special agency to ensure that a female child involved in such a case received follow-up treatment. Article 7 112. Ms. CORTI asked why the report devoted only one paragraph to the issue of women's representation in Parliament. She wondered whether women's organizations in the United Kingdom were active in supporting female candidates for election. 113. Discrimination against women still existed in the civil service in the United Kingdom. There was only a very small percentage of women in the upper ranks of that service. While the Government had taken some measures to rectify the situation, more positive action was required. 114. Ms. GUAN MINOIAN said she shared the concerns of other Committee members regarding the large пгдтЬег of reservations made by the United Kingdom.
analysis: The text appears to be discussing social and legal issues related to women's rights, gender equality, and sexual offenses, with a focus on the UK. The topics mentioned, such as rape, consent, and women's representation in Parliament, suggest a strong connection to human rights and social justice.