§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek power to confer with the judges on the general question of prison sentences and penalties for crime.
§ Mr. Callaghan:No new power is needed for this purpose as it is always open to me to consult the judiciary. Special considerations already apply in respect of life sentence prisoners, as I have no power to release such a prisoner unless I am recommended to do so by the Parole Board, three of whose members are High Court judges, and I am
PHASE I (announced October, 1968): Capital Revenue Total Nursery classes at: £ £ £ South Haringey School … … … … … … 4,525 1,890 6,415 St. Paul's and All Hallows Church of England School … 13,740 3,680 17,420 St. Mary's Church of England School … … … 13,740 3,680 17,420 Risley Avenue School … … … … … 4,525 1,890 6,415 Crowland School … … … … … … 4,525 1,890 6,415 South Grove School … … … … … … 5,810 2,620 8,430 Day nurseries at: Red Gables, Crouch Hill … … … … … 17,260 17,355 34,615 Lordship Lane, Tottenham … … … … … 51,625 20,000 71,625 Conversion of two properties into temporary accommodation for the homeless … … … … … 5,000 10,000 15,000 Children's homes at: Tewkesbury Road, N. 15 … … … … … 13,000 — 13,000 The Ridgeway, Enfield … … … … … 35,000 — 35,000 Expenditure on placing priority children in private day care — 1,600 1,600 £ 168,750 £ 64,605 £ 233,355 380W
PHASE II (announced February, 1969): Conversion of two properties as hostels for the homeless … 6,000 2,000 8,000 Additional staff for hostels for the homeless … … — 8,000 8,000 Aid to playgroups and work in parks … … … — 5,000 5,000 Playgroup supervisor … … … … … … — 750 750 Health education for immigrants … … … … — 750 750 Girls'hostel (acquisition) … … … … … 23,750 — 23,750 Holidays for families at risk … … … … … — 300 300 Use of accommodation at children's homes for playgroup — 650 650 Two new nursery classes at Broadwater Farm School … 15,660 3,680 19,340 Conversion of air-raid shelter at Children's Home to play room … … … … … … … … 400 400 Furniture and equipment at Bengeo House Nursery … — 1,600 1,600 Camden House Nursery—cloakroom … … … — 350 350 Agency fees—additional expenditure on placing children in care … … … … … … … … 300 300 Muswell Avenue Hostel—play surface … … … — 1,200 1,200 Play equipment for hostels … … … … … — 150 150 Equipment for Education Priority Area Schools … … — 1,968 1,968 … … £ 45,410 £ 27,098 £ 72,508 TOTAL OF BOTH PHASES: £ 305,863. also obliged by statute to consult the Lord Chief Justice and the trial judge, if available, before authorising release.
The trial judge may recommend a minimum period of imprisonment when imposing a life sentence.
I have invited the Criminal Law Revision Committee to review the law relating to homicide, and other offences against the person; and I am informed that the Committee has already invited the views of the judges.