§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Attorney-General if he will introduce measures to ensure that(a) the police and (b) the Crown Prosecution Service obtain an assessment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder for children and adolescents convicted of more than three crimes; and if he will make a statement. [11535]
§ Mr. MacleanI have been asked to reply.
The Cambridge study of delinquent development, which was largely funded by the Home Office, found, amongst other results, that the incidence of hyperactivity, attention deficit and impulsivity at age eight to 10 years independently predicted future juvenile convictions. However, the causes of juvenile delinquency are complex and wide ranging, and hyperactivity is only one of many. The Government have no plans to amend their policies in the manner suggested by the hon. Member.