HC Deb 22 January 2004 vol 416 cc1438-9W
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of the Home Detention Curfew. [148890]

Paul Goggins

The operation of the Home Detention Curfew (HDC) scheme is monitored on a weekly basis. Between January 1999, when the scheme was introduced, and 9 January 2004, over 86,000 prisoners have been released under the Home Detention Curfew scheme. At any one time about 3,600 low risk prisoners, who would otherwise be filling prison places, are serving the last part of the custodial portion of their sentence on HDC.

Since the scheme began 90 per cent. of those granted HDC have completed their curfew period without any problems at all and 2 per cent. are reported as having been convicted, cautioned or are awaiting prosecution for an offence committed whilst subject to HDC.

In addition, the Home Office published an evaluation of the operation of the first sixteen months of the scheme in June 2001 (Home Office Research Study 222: "Electronic Monitoring of released prisoners: an evaluation of the Home Detention Curfew scheme").

I am satisfied that the scheme continues successfully to provide suitable prisoners with a smoother and more effective re-integration back into the community by enabling them to be released from prison early while still subject to restrictions placed on their liberty.

Mrs. Gillan

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department further to his written statement of 14 January,Official Report, column 31 WS, what other recent exceptional cases may be deemed unsuitable for the Home Detention Curfew Scheme. [149304]

Paul Goggins

[holding answer 20 January 2004]No cases have, so far, been referred to the Chief Executive, of the National Offender Management Service. The policy will apply to any case where the applicant for Home Detention Curfew has been involved in a notorious crime or crime of concern to the public, where release would bring the scheme in to disrepute. Prisoners affected by this change will be able to make representations supporting their release to the Chief Executive of NOMS.

We expect that only a small number of cases will be referred to the Chief Executive.