§ 78. Dr. Michael ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what new measures are being taken by his Department to deter and punish crimes of violence; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenWe are proposing new controls on the possession of firearms and knives. Initiatives are being taken, which follow up studies of violent crime undertaken by the Home Office research and crime prevention units and the standing conference on crime prevention; these include studies of commercial robbery and violence associated with licensed premises. The new national crime prevention publicity campaign deals with the problem of680W violent crime and advice on prevention is included in the new booklet "Practical Ways to Crack Crime". The safer cities initiatives will provide opportunities to target violent crime locally. Further policy planning is being developed by the ministerial group on crime prevention. We are providing the courts with powers to deal with offenders who commit serious or violent crimes. The maximum penalty for child cruelty is being increased from two to 10 years and for going equipped with a firearm from 14 years to life imprisonment. Within maximum penalties, the sentence given for any particular offence is a matter for the courts but, following guidance from the Court of Appeal, average sentences imposed by the Crown court have increased over the last five years by 30 per cent. for rape and 20 per cent. for offences including serious violence. We are operating a restrictive policy on release on licence and parole for all long-term prisoners.