§ Lord Windleshamasked Her Majesty's Government:
On what dates the provisions of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 were brought into effect prescribing (a) mandatory life sentence on conviction for the second time of a serious sexual or violent offence (Section 2); and (b) a minimum sentence of seven years for a third class A drug trafficking conviction (Section 3). [HL4130]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Bassam of Brighton)Sections 2 and 3 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 were both brought into effect on 1 October 1997.
§ Lord Windleshamasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many convicted offenders have been sentenced under Sections 2 and 3 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 since commencement; and in how many cases did the sentencing courts make use of the exceptions contained in Sections 1(2) and 1(3) of that Act. [HL4131]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonComprehensive information is not currently available centrally. However, Prison Service records confirm that there are 103 prisoners currently serving life sentences imposed under Section 2 of the Act.
Arrangements are being made to monitor cases arising under Sections 2, 3 and 4 of the Act from December of this year, when Section 4 is commenced. This will provide information about eligibility for a mandatory sentence and whether such a sentence was in fact imposed.
88WASection 1 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 was repealed by Schedule 10 to the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. The relevant exceptions are now contained in Sections 2(2), 3(2) and 4(2).
§ Lord Windleshamasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they intend to bring into force Section 4 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 (minimum of three years' imprisonment on third conviction for domestic burglary); and what are the reasons why the commencement of this section was delayed for a longer period than the other mandatory sentences in the same Act. [HL4132]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonAs my right honourable friend the Home Secretary announced in January this year, Section 4 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 will come into force in December this year.
Like their predecessor, this Government made it clear that implementation of Section 4 depended on the capacity of the Prison Service and available resources. We are now confident that the Prison Service has the capacity to cope with the increase in the prison population to which Section 4 will give rise.