HC Deb 11 June 1959 vol 606 cc1167-8
37. Mr. Anthony Greenwood

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to review existing penalties for criminal offences.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The penalties under the Larceny Act are included in the review of the law of larceny which I have asked the Committee on the Revision of the Criminal Law to undertake and a review of small statutory fines is in progress. Other penalties are considered as occasion arises, and in considering the legislation to amend the criminal law which comes forward from time to time I have in mind the question whether there should be any alteration in penalties.

Mr. MacDermot

Would the Home Secretary say, particularly in view of the debate yesterday in another place, whether he is proposing to reconsider the penalties for motoring offences, which many people consider too light?

Mr. Butler

I have said that a review of small statutory fines is in progress, and we have in mind a general review of the penalties to which the hon. Member has referred.