§ 53. Dr. Kim HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to reduce the numbers of people remanded in custody.
§ Mr. John PattenWe are promoting a range of practical measures to reduce the numbers of people remanded in custody. These include the development of more bail information schemes and an increase in the number of bail hostel places; encouragement to the courts to take measures to reduce delays; the continuing extension of custody time limits and the development of mode of trial guidelines for magistrates. We have also recently issued a circular on mentally disordered offenders which should help reduce the numbers of such people who are remanded in custody.