§ Mr. LofthouseTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further proposals he has to combat and reduce the incidence of violent crime.
§ Mr. John PattenOur proposals in chapter 3 of the White Paper, "Crime, Justice and Protecting the Public" (Cm 965), include empowering the Crown court to impose longer sentences on serious violent and sexual offenders where this is necessary to protect the public. I also refer the hon. Member to the reply given to questions from the hon. Members for Glasgow, Central (Mr. Watson) and for Hemsworth (Mr. Buckley) and the right hon. and learned Member for Warley, West (Mr. Archer), on 25 January at column864