HC Deb 15 November 1962 vol 667 cc536-7
2. Mr. Abse

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the booklet covering all forms of sentences and written for sentencers, recommended by the Inter-departmental Committee on the business of the Criminal Courts, is now in the course of publication; and when it will become available to sentencers.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Charles Fletcher-Cooke)

The preparation of the booklet is going forward, but I cannot yet say when it will be ready for issue.

Mr. Abse

There is, unfortunately, a view abroad that sentencers are passing sentences about which they know nothing and the consequences of which they understand little. Is it not, therefore, equally unfortunate that this booklet has not been published?

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

It will be published soon. It would have been foolish to have brought it out earlier because one would have had to amend it almost immediately following the passage of two Acts, of which the hon. Gentleman is aware. It would be wrong to assume that those responsible for sentencing are without information in the meanwhile, because, of course, there are many sources upon which they can draw and which are offered to them.