§ Mr. AllasonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the provisions of Home Office circular 59/1990 "Cautioning of Offenders", as it relates to the discretion now being extended to the police.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe purpose of the circular is to establish national standards for cautioning based on consistent general principles in which the courts and public may have full confidence. It does not give the police any new discretion, but emphasises the principle that cautioning can be suitable for all age groups, not just juveniles. Generally, cautioning is recognised as an increasingly important way of keeping offenders out of the courts and, in many circumstances, reducing the risk that they will re-offend.