HC Deb 29 October 1999 vol 336 cc1021-2W
Mr. Malins

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to widen the opportunities for the judiciary to impose suspended sentences of imprisonment. [95474]

Mr. Charles Clarke

Suspended sentences may be imposed only in "exceptional circumstances". Widening the opportunities for their use was one of the recommendations in the Home Affairs Committee's Report on Alternatives to Prison Sentences, published in 1998. As the Government's Reply to the Report noted, we are considering this issue, taking account of the Committee's views.

involved at each meeting; and the names of the members and officials of the United States Government at each meeting. [93951]

Mr. Straw

Information on meetings between my Ministers and members and officials of the United States Government since 22 February are listed in the table.