§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to reduce the inconsistencies in the use of custody in different magistrates' courts in England and Wales.
§ Mr. John PattenThe handbook for the courts, "The Sentence of the Court", gives guidance on the use of custody and aims to promote uniformity of approach. We take opportunities to stress this guidance in speeches and in discussions with magistrates. We provide the courts with information so they can compare their decisions on custody with those of other courts. Some differences in sentencing patterns are to be expected, since some courts have a higher proportion of more serious offenders.