§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average length of time from breach of a probation condition to the offender's appearance in court for each probation service in England and Wales in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [120191]
§ Mr. BoatengThere is currently no centrally held data on this. We are trying to ascertain the national picture and are in the process of obtaining information which may provide an indication of the average time lapse between the service instigating breach action with the court and the breach sentence hearing. The results are not yet available, but I will write to the hon. Member as soon as the position is clearer.
§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many unexecuted warrants for the arrest of offenders in breach of probation conditions are held by each police force in England and Wales. [120192]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThe information requested is not available centrally. However, the Government are concerned that warrants in respect of breaches of community sentences should be executed as soon as possible, and we are currently undertaking some research to determine the current position. I shall write to the hon. Member when the results are available.