New Criminal Offences

HL Deb 31 January 2001 vol 621 c64WA

Lord Dholakia

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many new criminal offences were created in (a) public and (b) local and private legislation enacted during the session 1999–2000. [HL461]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

Although the Home Office is responsible for scrutinising proposals for new offences in both public and private legislation no comprehensive records are kept centrally of all new offences created in public legislation. The following information about public legislation therefore relates only to Home Office measures which have been enacted during the 1999–2000 parliamentary Session. The information about local and private legislation covers all private measures during the period in question.

Public Legislation

• The Terrorism Act 2000 created 38 new offences.
• The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 created four new criminal offences.
• The Football Disorder Act 2000 created two new criminal offences.
• The Licensing (Young Persons) Act 2000 created one new criminal offence.
• The Freedom of Information Act 2000 created three new criminal offences.
• The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 created 69 new criminal offences. These are listed at Schedule 20 to the 2000 Act.
• The Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 created three new criminal offences.
• The Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2000 created two new criminal offences.

Local and Private Legislation

• The Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar (Eriskay Causeway) Order Confirmation Act 2000 created three new criminal offences.
• The London Local Authorities Act 2000 created 14 new criminal offences.