§ 24. Mr. Mappasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the maximum penalties for offences of vandalism; whether he is satisfied that these penalties are adequate in present conditions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CallaghanFor offences of malicious damage to property generally, and tried on indictment, the maximum penalty is imprisonment for five years if the offence is committed at night and two years in other cases. For certain specific offences, longer sentences are available to the courts. The Law Commission is conducting a review of the law relating to malicious damage; the level of penalties will be re-examinated in the light of their recommendations.
§ Mr. MappI thank my right hon. Friend for that reply, but for the more common offences of general vandalism, would he try to encourage the flexible use of attendance centres and, if necessary, detention centres for young people who are doing this sort of thing so frequently in our districts?
§ Mr. CallaghanThe flexibility of treatment and punishment in these matters needs a great deal of care and continued attention. I hope that we shall give it.