§ 30 and 31. Mr. Waddingtonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when he expects to receive the report of the Advisory Council on the 421W Penal System on the sentencing and treatment of young offenders;
(2) why he is not prepared to introduce legislation amending Section 3 of the Criminal Justice Act 1961 forthwith in advance of receipt of the report of the Advisory Council on the Penal System on the sentencing and treatment of young offenders.
§ Mr. CarlisleI understand that the Advisory Council on the Penal System expects to be able to present its report in the summer of 1973. One of the principal matters which the advisory council has been asked to consider is what should be the sentencing provisions for young offenders. Legislation now to amend Section 3 of the Criminal Justice Act 1961 would, therefore, prejudge an important issue which the council is considering.