§ Mr. Stan Crowtherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to allow magistrates to impose community service orders on juvenile offenders.
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§ Mr. John:No. Community service was introduced primarily as an alternative to prison, and the probation service resources necessary for its development are best used for offenders over 17 who are liable to a prison sentence. Children and young people can participate in activities 433W of use to the community through schemes of intermediate treatment and the Government are actively encouraging this form of community-based treatment.