§ Mr. Marlandasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider recommending even more severe punishment for violent offenders.
§ Mr. MellorMy right hon. and learned Friend fully supports the proposals in the Bill now before the House, introduced by my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth, Drake (Miss Fookes), to increase the maximum penalties for attempted rape and for indecent assault. It is also intended to introduce legislation during this Parliament to increase to life imprisonment the maximum penalty for carrying firearms in furtherance of crime. Otherwise, my right hon. and learned Friend is satisfied that the courts have sufficient powers to deal with violent offenders. The exercise of these powers in individual cases is entirely a matter for the courts.