§ 37. Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what guidance she has issued on sentencing policy for those dealing with intent in proscribed drugs. [141600]
§ Jane KennedyI refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave him on 25 July 2000,Official Report, column 538W.
Sentencing is a matter for the courts. Parliament lays down the parameters within which sentencers must work. It is then for the courts to decide on the sentence in the light of the facts of the case and after taking into consideration the circumstances of the offence and the offender. The Government cannot issue guidance to sentencers as it is a fundamental principle that the Executive does not interfere with judicial discretion.