Lord Lucasasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have studied the system of curfews for children in Germany; if so, whether they agree that these curfews are effective; and whether they will introduce such curfews in the United Kingdom.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Williams of Mostyn)We have no detailed information about the curfew arrangements in Germany. In England and Wales, curfew orders for people aged 16 years and older already exist, and operate using electronic monitoring in three trial areas: Berkshire, Greater Manchester and Norfolk. An interim evaluation report published in December 1996 showed that the use of electronic monitoring had been effective. Section 43 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 provides for the extension of these orders to 10 to 15 year-olds and we are currently considering whether, and if so when, this provision should be184WA brought into force. We are also developing proposals for a child protection order which will allow the introduction of child protection curfews on a local basis so as to protect children who are on the streets at night without supervision and to ensure that parents face their responsibilities.