§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to try and reduce the use of custodial remands in England and Wales.
§ Mr. John Patten[holding answer 1 March 1988]: Work is being done by the probation service and the Vera Institute of Justice on providing better information on defendants to magistrates through bail information schemes; resources are being provided over the next three financial years for about nine new bail hostels; and my noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor is preparing improved training on bail decisions for magistrates. My right hon. Friend has made clear the Government's view that custody should be used only where it is necessary. The extension of custody time limits to all of Wales and a number of counties in England, with effect from 1 April, will provide a discipline against undue delay in bringing to trial those defendants who are remanded in custody.