HC Deb 29 March 1979 vol 965 c610
8. Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give further consideration to suggested alternatives to both fines and custodial sentences.

Mr. John

There is already a wide range of non-custodial disposals available to the courts, but we keep further possibilities under review.

Mr. Hardy

In order to enhance and complement the relentless and increasingly successful fight against crime for which the present Government deserve to be commended, is it not desirable and economic to widen the sanctions available to the courts? In particular, will the Minister ensure that urgent consideration is given to the extension of community service orders, especially in areas such as mine where the scheme has been demonstrably successful?

Mr. John

Yes. There are two matters to be considered. First, there is the consideration of new possibilities which are now under review. Secondly, we must extend the number of proved successes. Community service is one of the successes and under this Government it has been extended.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

Does the Minister agree that probation officers and the probation service as a whole can play a major part, not only in supervising those who have committed crimes, but in rehabilitating offenders? Will the Government pay more attention to pay and conditions in the probation service and give these excellent and experienced people the support that they need?

Mr. John

As the pay negotiations do not start until July, that matter is premature. It is for the courts to decide whether to impose probation orders.