HC Deb 22 July 1993 vol 229 c368W
16. Mr. Jessel

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received regarding lenient sentences; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maclean

I receive a number of letters on lenient sentences.

The Attorney-General can now refer lenient sentences to the Court of Appeal and the courts now have powers to impose longer sentences on violent and sexual offenders.

19. Mr. Mark Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the measures allowing an appeal against lenient sentencing; and if he will make a statement.

28. Mr. Moss

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what view he has formed of the effectiveness of the power of appeal against lenient sentences; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maclean

The power for the Attorney-General to refer to the Court of Appeal sentences which he considers to be unduly lenient is both important and necessary. The discerning use of this power has repeatedly demonstrated the wisdom of the Government's decision to introduce it.