HL Deb 20 January 1999 vol 596 cc104-5WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they expect to complete the current review of penalties for sexual offences. [HL425]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The Government's intention to review sexual offences and penalties was announced in June last year by Alun Michael, then Minister of State in the Home Office, during the Commons Committee stage of the Crime and Disorder Act. The review is intended to ensure that the framework of offences and penalties is fair, coherent and effective in protecting individuals, especially children and vulnerable people, and will reflect the society we live in today. Such a review requires considerable preparation, and the terms of reference and duration of the review will be announced very soon.