§ 11. Mr. Keith Darvill (Upminster)What plans he has to pilot provisions contained in the Crime and Disorder Bill [Lords]. [44253]
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Mr. Alun Michael)We plan to pilot a number of initiatives to tackle youth offending, such as measures to tackle delay in the youth justice system; the drug treatment and testing order; and the use of live television links between prison and court. Provided that the Bill receives Royal Assent before the summer, we plan to commence those pilots in the autumn.
§ Mr. DarvillI thank my hon. Friend for that reply. I also thank him for taking the time recently to visit Harold Hill in my constituency to witness the work of the partnership that is evolving between the police, the local authority and other agencies, including London Transport Buses. Does he agree that the best way to tackle crime in our towns and cities is through genuine partnerships with local communities, police and other organisations?
§ Mr. MichaelMy hon. Friend is right. However, as we saw when I visited his constituency, the process cannot be easy or immediate. There needs to be a commitment on the part of police and local authorities; they need to win the support of the local community, and they need to listen to members of that community, who best know the type of crime that spoils their lives. A commitment to such a partnership, and to cutting crime, is essential, and I congratulate my hon. Friend on the way in which he is encouraging that in his constituency.