§ Mr. Weetchasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average length of prison sentence given for trafficking in hard drugs in the last five years; and whether he has any plans to introduce stiffer penalties.
§ Mr. MellorThe information available on the average length of sentences of unsuspended imprisonment imposed is given in the table. Figures for 1983 are not yet available. We have no present plans to change the maximum penalties available, but, under the policy set out by my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Hampshire, East (Mr. Mates) on 30 November 1983, at columns513–15, those serving prison sentences of over five years for offences of drug trafficking will not normally be granted parole except when release under supervision for the last few months of a sentence would be likely to reduce the long-term risk to the public.