HL Deb 10 July 2000 vol 615 cc10-2WA
The Earl of Listowel

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many persons were sentenced under Section 53(2) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1993 in each year since 1997; and what were their age and gender. [HL3138]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

The information is given in the table.

Number of persons sentenced, at the Crown Court, under Section 53(2) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 by sex and age, England and Wales, 1997–1999(1)
1997 1998 1999(1)
Age Males Females Males Females Males Females
10 1 — — — — —
11 1 — 1 — 3 —
12 10 — 6 — 3 3
13 21 3 19 — 27 1
14 89 3 61 2 77 5
15 121 6 84 6 70 7
16 166 7 157 8 133 5
17 283 11 245 4 262 5
Total 692 30 573 20 575 26
(1) Provisional.

The Earl of Listowel

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What have been the numbers of offenders serving sentences under Section 53(2) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1993 on 1 May for each year since 1997; and, in each year, what were the numbers serving their sentences in (a) local authority secure accommodation; and (b) Young Offenders Institutions. [HL3139]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

The available information for offenders serving sentences under Section 53(2) of the Children and Young Persons Act in Prison Service accommodation is for the end of June each year. It is as follows:

Year Number
1997 759
1998 856
1999 862
2000 1873
1 end March—provisional

The number of offenders serving sentences in local authority secure accommodation on 30 April each year was:

Year Number
1997 177
1998 180
1999 132
2000 118

These figures include the Department of Health-run Glenthorne Youth Treatment Centre.

The Earl of Listowel

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have any plans to reduce the number of offences which may carry a sentence under Section 53(2) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933. [HL3141]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

It is essential the courts have the powers they need to deal with children and young persons convicted of serious offences. The Government have no current plans to reduce the number of offences contained in Section 53(2) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933.