§ Mr. FitzpatrickTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to fulfil the Government's commitment to extend the Attorney-General's powers to refer unduly lenient sentences to the Court of Appeal for review. [132678]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeAn Order extending the Attorney-General's powers in relation to unduly lenient sentences is being laid before Parliament today. This will enable the Attorney to refer sentences imposed for offences of illegal trafficking in drugs and pornographic material involving children and offences specifically against children (unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 16, inciting a girl under 16 to have incestuous intercourse and indecent conduct towards a young child). The Order comes into effect on 21 August 2000 and will apply to any sentence imposed after that date. The Government will keep under review whether further extensions should be made in future.