§ Mr. SoamesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to encourage the use of the powers which exist to deprive offenders of the use of vehicles used in the commission of crime; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdUnder section 43 of the Powers of the Criminal Courts Act 1973 a court can order the forfeiture of any property used to commit an offence punishable with a sentence of two or more years' imprisonment. The Criminal Justice Bill extends this power to offences with lower maximum penalties. Section 44 of the Act empowers the Crown court to disqualify from driving a person convicted of an offence carrying a maximum sentence of two or more years' imprisonment, if the court is satisfied that a motor vehicle was used in the commission of the offence.