§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of Slate for the Home Department whether he has received the memorandum from the Police Federation complaining of the inadequacy of sentencing for those found guilty of breaking the law, a copy of which has been sent to him; and what action he has taken or intends taking with regard to these matters.
§ Mr. Alexander W. LyonI take it that my hon. Friend is referring to a Press statement issued by the joint central committee of the federation on 27th August, in which reference is made to the penalties imposed on those whom the courts find guilty of criminal offences. The use made by the courts in individual cases of the powers of sentence conferred on them by law is not a matter in which it would be proper for us to take action. In general we consider the powers of the courts to be adequate, but we are willing to consider any specific proposal.