§ 24. Mr. Clemitsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average length of sentence being served by prisoners convicted of indictable offences; and what were the corresponding figures 10 and 20 years ago, respectively.
§ Mr. JohnThe information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, the average effective sentence of those sentenced to imprisonment who were received into prison in 1976 was 18 months. The corresponding figures for 1966 and 1956 were 12 months and 11 months respectively. These figures exclude those received into prison in default of payment of a fine.