§ Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average length of sentence served by (a) male and (b) female young offenders released in each of the past four years.
§ Mr. Hurd[pursuant to his reply, 8 March 1984, c. 657]: The readily available information, based on central records which are approximate, is given in the following table. Figures for earlier years could be made available only at disproportionate cost. I would also refer the hon. Member to Home Office statistical bulletin, issue No. 3/84, which gives information on the effect of the new sentencing structure for young offenders on the time they serve.
397W
Year of discharge† Type of custody 1982 1983‡ Males Females Males Females Youth custody: Sentenced before 24 May 1983║ — — 31 33 Sentenced on or after 24 May 1983 — — 13 7 Detention centre: Sentenced before 24 May 1983 8 — 9 — Sentenced on or after 24 May 1983 — — 6 — Borstal training: Discharged before 24 May 1983 36 32 35 32 Discharged on 24 May 1983¶ — — 29 29 Custody for life or detention under section 53 of Children and Young Persons Act 1933 171 • 234 • Committed in default of payment of a fine 2 1 2 1 * Excluding any time spent on remand in custody. † On completion of sentence or release on licence. ‡ 1983 figures are provisional and were affected by the transition to the new sentencing structure for young offenders. ║ Sentences of borstal training converted to youth custody. ¶ Persons discharged because of the application, under section 10, Criminal Justice Act 1982 of time spent on remand in custody. • There were very few discharges in this category.