HC Deb 17 February 1994 vol 237 c909W
Mr. Straw

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has for ensuring that courts are placed under a stronger duty to inquire into a convicted defendant's former medical history and circumstances where there is an application to adjourn the date of sentencing on grounds of illness.

Mr. Maclean

Courts already have a power to adjourn after conviction to enable inquiries to be made.

We are not persuaded that it is necessary to place courts under such a duty.