HL Deb 12 October 1998 vol 593 c89WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will give effect to the recommendations of the House of Commons Select Committee on Home Affairs dated 28 July 1998 on Alternatives to Prison Sentences. [HL3323]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The Government welcome the Report of the Home Affairs Committee's Inquiry into Alternatives to Prison Sentences. We believe that the courts should have available to them an effective range of sentencing options and the Committee's report contributes towards realising this aim.

My right honourable friend the Home Secretary and I are considering all the Committee's recommendations very carefully and when we have done so we shall publish our response. Many of the recommendations endorse action which the Government are already taking.