§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to reduce the number of refusals by courts to impose prison sentences because of the danger of exposure to illegal drugs in prison by convicted criminals. [18158]
§ Mr. Maclean[holding answer 4 April 1995]: Sentencing is a matter for the courts in each case. The statutory criteria for passing a custodial sentence do not require the courts to form a judgment on reports of conditions in particular prisons. Decisions on where a prisoner should serve his sentence are taken by the Prison Service, and take account so far as possible of the circumstances of the prisoner and his or her offence. Reducing drug misuse is one of the Prison Service's key priorities. A new Prison Service drugs strategy will shortly be issued to all establishments.