§ Lord Dixon-Smithasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many responses they have received commenting on the sentencing proposals set out in the White Paper Protecting the Public.
§ Baroness BlatchWe have received responses from 189 members of the public and from 90 organisations and other individuals with a direct interest in the criminal justice system. The sentencing proposals were widely welcomed by the public. Overall, 139 responses from the public (74 per cent.) expressed full support and a further 13 (7 per cent.) qualified support. A range of views were expressed by those other individuals and organisations who commented on the proposals. There was support from police associations. There was criticism from the judiciary about the principle of mandatory sentences in particular, and a number of responses expressed concern about how the proposals would operate in practice.
We have considered the responses carefully in finalising the details of the proposals which are included in the Crime (Sentences) Bill, published on 25th October 1996.