§ Mr. Marlandasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration he is giving to other means of punishment for non-violent criminals to that of long custodial sentences.
§ Mr. MellorThe Criminal Justice Act 1982 re-enacted and strengthened the powers available to the courts when making probation orders — or supervision orders on 479W juvenile offenders—and provided for the introduction of community service orders for 16-year-olds. My right hon. and learned Friend has reduced from one year to six months the minimum qualifying period of custody before a prisoner can be considered for parole. We shall keep under review the range of alternatives to custody, including means by which reparation between the offender and the victim might be arranged. We intend also to introduce legislation during this Parliament to give the courts more effective powers to deprive offenders of the proceeds of crime.