§ Mr. ChidgeyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his policy towards levels of fines for companies that persistently pollute the environment; what discussions he has had with(a) other Government Departments and (b) outside bodies about the advantages of imposing higher fines on such companies; and if he will make a statement. [51634]
§ Mr. MeacherThe Courts are independent of the Government, and it is for them to exercise their discretion in sentencing. It is up to them to ensure that the penalties they impose on conviction fully reflect the gravity of offences which damage the environment, and the seriousness with which society views them. The maximum penalties fixed by Parliament are there to be used in appropriate cases. People who blatantly or persistently damage or risk damaging the environment, and who show little or no regard for the law, need to be stopped. My Department has had discussions with officials of the Lord Chancellor's Department and the Judicial Studies Board about fines imposed for environmental and certain other offences, and will be meeting the Magistrates' Association.