§ 31. Mr. Whiteheadasked the Attorney-General if he will call a conference of magistrates to discuss sentencing policy for assault in cases such as those involvinging members of fox and stag hunts.
§ The Attorney-GeneralSentencing conferences and exercises for magistrates are held periodically. Most of these are convened locally, and all magistrates in the area are invited to attend. On these occasions the magistrates consider appropriate sentences in respect of offences normally arising in the area concerned. Particular attention is given to crimes involving violence. My noble Friend regards the present arrangements as satisfactory and sees no reason to convene an additional special conference of the kind suggested.