HC Deb 25 October 1996 vol 284 cc12-3W
Mr. Amess

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many responses he has received commenting on the consultation paper "Alternative Penalties for Fine Defaulters and Low Level Offenders". [957]

Mr. Howard

Of the 31 responses to the paper, 30 were from organisations and individuals with a direct interest in the criminal justice system.

There was overall support for the wider use of community penalties as proposed in the consultation paper. Seventy-seven per cent. of respondents supported community service and 58 per cent. supported curfew orders for fine default. Sixty-one per cent. supported community service and 51 per cent. curfew orders for persistent low level offenders.

I have considered the responses carefully in finalising the details of the proposals which are included in the Crime (Sentences) Bill, published today.