§ Mr. Berminghamasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he gives to magistrates on the exercise of their sentencing powers with particular regard to the imposition on adult males of custodial sentences for indictable offences; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorThe sentence to be passed in any particular case is a matter for the courts, subject to the requirements of statute. But the Department takes opportunities to draw to the attention of the magistrates' courts relevant guidance of the Court of Appeal, including guidance on the use of custody, and to emphasise the value of using non-custodial measures wherever possible. A794W general guide to sentencing powers and principles is provided in the handbook "The Sentence of the Court", a new edition of which will be published shortly.