§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is his estimate of the proportion of cases in which an inappropriate fine given under the unit fine system was(a) too high and (b) too low;
(2) what is his estimate of the total number of cases in which an inappropriate fine was given under the unit fines system.
§ Mr. JackI have no basis on which to make any such estimate.
Actual fine levels imposed are the responsibility of sentencers.
§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he had with the Justices Clerks Society on proposals for reforming the unit fine system; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JackFollowing the implementation of the unit fine system on 1 October 1992, officials in my Department had a number of discussions with representatives of the Justices Clerks Society about the way in which the scheme was operating and, latterly, about ways in which it might be modified. But, as my right hon. and learned Friend indicated in his statement on 13 May, his conclusion was that the better course was to abolish the scheme altogether. He has since then (17 May) met representatives of the society.