21. Mr. Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has for reducing youth crime. [20179]
§ Mr. MichaelThe Government's plans for reducing youth crime are set out in the White Paper "No More Excuses" which was published on 27 November. These include proposals to speed up the youth offender proceedings, replace repeat cautions with a new reprimand and Final Warning scheme, introduce new community based sentences and established a Youth Justice Board for England and Wales, and local Youth Offending Teams. A new statutory aim for the youth justice system will place a clear emphasis on preventing re-offending. These proposals are contained in the Crime and Disorder Bill currently before Parliament.