§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they expect the new criminal justice legislation for Northern Ireland to be available in draft for consultation and comment, and whether they expect it to include wider provision for non-custodial sentences.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (The Earl of Arran)New criminal justice legislation in a number of fields, including sentencing, is currently being considered in Northern Ireland. We expect to issue a number of proposals for draft orders for consultation on these issues, beginning next year.