§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the figures for rape and attempted rape for each of the years in the past decade; and what was the average age length of sentence awarded and actual term served.
§ Mr. BrittanIn the information available, offences of rape and attempted rape are combined. The information on the number of these offences recorded by the police, the number of court proceedings, and the sentences given is published annually inCriminal Statistics, England and Wales (paragraph 2.7 and tables 2.4, 1(a), 5(a), and 6 of the volume for 1979, Cmnd. 8098). These tables show the variation in the lengths of sentences of immediate imprisonment which the average does not show. Information on the term served could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. My hon. Friend may also find it useful to refer to an article on "Rape: rates, trends and sentencing practice" in Research Bulletin No. 10 issued by the Home Office research unit, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.