§ 1. Mr. Greenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to restore discretion to magistrates in the manner of treatment of first offenders.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Reginald Maudling)I take my hon. Friend to be referred to the provisions in the Criminal Justice Act, 1967 which, with certain exceptions, require magistrates' courts to suspend sentences of imprisonment imposed on first offenders and offenders in certain other categories. I am keeping under review these and other provisions relating to the suspension of sentences of imprisonment with a view to possible future criminal justice legislation.