HC Deb 06 April 1978 vol 947 c164W
34. Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek to increase or introduce minimum penalties which may be imposed by the courts.

Dr. Summerskill

No. I believe that the courts should, except in cases of murder, be free to impose whatever sentence is most appropriate to the individual offence within the substantial maximum penalties available to them.