§ Mr. HealdTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his original estimate was of the number of anti-social behaviour orders that would be issued annually; how that estimate has been revised; and if he will make a statement. [147226]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThe figures in the Financial and Explanatory Memorandum to the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 were based on the possibility that up to 5,000 orders might be made in any one year. We have not revised that estimate and have no plans to do so, since we are not seeking to set a national target for such orders.
It is more important that, where an order is made, it should be made on the basis that it will be the most effective method for dealing with a specific case. Our priority in this area is that local crime and disorder partnerships should be making effective use of all their powers to protect the rights of all citizens to lead their lives free from harassment and disorder.