HC Deb 18 May 1971 vol 817 c282W
Mr. Bishop

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the use of the suspended sentence in the past six years in relation to imprisonment, probation, conditional discharge and fines; and what changes he proposes to the law in this matter in the light of the experience so far gained.

Mr. Maudling

In 1968 and 1969, the first two years of operation of the suspended sentence provisions, the proportion of convicted persons given an unsuspended prison sentence decreased, but the proportion of those who received a suspended prison sentence more than offset this decrease. There was some falling off in the proportionate use of probation and fines. The use of conditional discharge appeared to be relatively little affected. Detailed figures showing the use made by the courts of these powers are given in the annual published volumes of criminal statistics. The figures for 1970 are not yet available.

I have indicated in reply to previous Questions that I am not in all respects satisfied with the operation of the suspended sentence provisions and have them in mind with a view to possible future criminal justice legislation.