§ Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will issue guidelines regarding the circumstances in which pregnant women are placed on remand; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenIn deciding whether or not to remand an accused person in custody, a magistrates' court is required by the terms of the Bail Act 1976 to have regard to any considerations which appear to be relevant. Such decisions are taken in the exercise of judicial discretion, in accordance with the provisions of the Bail Act 1976, and we would not think it right to issue guidance to the courts on how they should interpret their responsibilities in the light of individual circumstances.