HL Deb 03 February 1997 vol 577 cc133-4WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ensure that a pilot scheme starts in Northern Ireland during 1997 whereby convicted fine defaulters carry out useful work for voluntary organisations as an alternative to a few days of imprisonment.

Baroness Denton of Wakefield

Fresh legislation would be required to introduce such a scheme in Northern Ireland, even on a pilot basis.

However, as my right honourable friend the Minister of State for Northern Ireland emphasised in a recent letter to the noble Lord, it is the Government's intention to review arrangements once we have seen the effects of the new alternative proposed for England and Wales in the Crime (Sentences) Bill.