§ Mr. Dellasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what the percentage and number of persons remanded on bail and in custody was in 1971 and in each of the preceding 10 years; and whether he will divide these figures regionally;
(2) what percentage and number of cases tried summarily persons have been remanded on bail and in custody in 1971 and in each of the preceding ten years; and whether he will divide these figures regionally;
(3) whether the percentage of people remanded on bail is increasing or decreasing.
§ Mr. CarlisleI am examining what information can be made available and shall write to the right hon. Gentleman.
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§ Mr. Roseasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will encourage the taking of social inquiry reports, medical and psychiatric reports while prisoners are on bail rather than detention in custody pending sentences in cases where a custodial sentence is not regarded by the court as a likely outcome of such reports.
§ Mr. CarlisleA number of measures have already been taken with a view to reducing both the number of persons remanded in custody for reports and the length of such remands.
§ Mr. Roseasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the average time spent by persons detained for two weeks in custody for reports is more than two hours in total in relation to the taking of such reports.
§ Mr. CarlisleA person detained in custody in England and Wales may be interviewed for less than 2 hours by a probation officer making a social inquiry report. But other enquiries necessary to complete the report will add to the time required. No average can be given for the preparation of a medical report. This may involve not only examination by the doctor concerned but also a period of observation by trained staff, the transmission of medical records from outside hospitals or other agencies, and special tests or a second opinion.