HC Deb 03 November 1988 vol 139 cc1175-6
12. Mr. Anthony Coombs

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department where and when he now anticipates the introduction of pilot schemes for the tagging of offenders.

Mr. Hurd

We shall consult the police and the courts before deciding the areas for the pilot schemes. We expect the projects to begin next summer, monitoring people remanded on bail.

Mr. Coombs

Given the present overcrowding in prisons, despite a record building programme, and given the fact that it costs £1,000 a month to keep each prisoner in prison, does not electronic tagging represent a golden opportunity, especially for the 20 per cent. of those who are in prison for fine or maintenance default? It would represent a humane, realistic and flexible form of punishment, which will reduce the possibility of re-offending.

Mr. Hurd

I am grateful to my hon. Friend. He has put the case exactly. We are all concerned about the increase in the remand population of people who have not been convicted of anything. If we can help the magistrates in the courts by providing this extra alternative, it will be well worth trying.

Mr. Mullin

Are there any plans for the electronic tagging of MI5 agents, since the Home Department seems to have lost track of what some of them are up to? May I commend to the Home Secretary an excellent book published today called "The Wilson Plot' by David Leigh, which will explain what some of them got up to in times gone by?

Mr. Hurd

The answer to the first question is no. The answer to the second question is that I take note.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Latham, Question No. 13.

Mr. Latham

Lucky 13.