HC Deb 16 December 1980 vol 996 c102W
Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Prime Minister if she will take special measures to reduce the prison population; and if she will make a statement.

The Prime Minister

The Government believe that a reduction in the prison population can best be achieved by the exercise of judicial discretion through the increased use of alternatives to imprisonment and the imposition of shorter sentences for non-violent offenders. We have no present plans for legislation or other special measures for this purpose.