§ 96. Mr. ReesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he proposes to take to achieve a reduction of custodial sentences for offenders convicted of non-violent crimes.
§ Mr. John PattenOur proposals are set out in the Green Paper "Punishment, Custody and the Community" (Cm. 424). We have already taken steps to give effect to those which can be implemented under present legislation: we have circulated an action plan to encourage initiatives in developing non-custodial sentences for young adult offenders, and we have issued draft national standards for community service orders. By ensuring that community service is rigorous and demanding, we hope to encourage its use for offenders who might otherwise receive a custodial sentence.