§ Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if warrants for breach of a community court order are systematically withdrawn after 12 months have elapsed; and if he will make a statement. [13831]
§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 9 November 2001]: All cases are considered on their merits and no central policy directions have been given to the National Probation Service, on the period after which a warrant should be returned to the courts for consideration of withdrawal. I am aware that practice does differ across the country and the National Probation Service is currently considering whether further advice should be given in these circumstances.
642Wthe water industry, the Electricity Association, British Gas and British Telecom to the sum of £270,000. The second element is being met through the Crime Reduction Programme to the sum of £1 million.
In addition to the Taskforce, the Government are also separately supporting three police-led initiatives. These are located in Leeds, Sheffield and Alfreton Derbyshire, to the sum of £1,009,765.
These combined elements make up my Department's strategy to tackle distraction burglary. The elements, amounts and timescale for completion are:
§ Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many warrants for the breach of a community court order have been withdrawn since 1 January; and if he will make a statement. [13832]
§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 9 November 20011: This information is not available centrally.