HC Deb 24 June 1993 vol 227 cc254-5W
19. Mr. Wells

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research his Department has carried out into current methods of dealing with persistent juvenile offenders.

Mr. Maclean

The Home Office has commissioned more than 47 research projects on various aspects of juvenile crime since 1979; but the Government's conclusion that the existing powers of the courts to deal with persistent juvenile offending are unsatisfactory also took account of views firmly expressed by experienced practitioners within the criminal justice system. Currently an in-depth survey of persistent juvenile offending, and the response made to it, is being carried out in two London boroughs and one midlands county as part of the preparation for the introduction of the new secure training order for persistent juvenile offenders which my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Rushcliffe (Mr. Clarke) announced in his statement on 2 March 1993, Official Report, columns 139–42.

22. Mr. Gill

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of current measures to deal with persistent juvenile offenders.

Mr. Maclean

My right hon. and learned Friend shares the view of his predecessor that the powers currently available to the courts when they have to deal with persistent juvenile offenders are unsatisfactory. He intends therefore to take forward the proposals for the secure training order which my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Rushcliffe (Mr. Clarke) announced to the House on 2 March 1993,Official Report, columns 139–42, and to bring the necessary legislation before the House as soon as possible.

Mr. Jim Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last met representatives of the Association of Chief Police Officers to discuss the problems arising from juvenile offenders; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maclean

My right hon. and learned Friend met the President of the Association of Chief Police Officers on 28 May 1993 although he has not yet had the opportunity to discuss the subject of juvenile offending with representatives of the association. He is, however, aware of the views which they have expressed about it, for example in evidence given earlier this year to the Select Committee on Home Affairs.