HL Deb 27 June 1988 vol 498 cc1282-3WA
Viscount Dilhorne

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps are being taken to encourage the use of powers which exist to deprive offenders of the use of vehicles used in the commission of crime.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)

Under 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.