HC Deb 24 April 2002 vol 384 cc328-9W
John Barrett

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans the Government have to issue guidance to magistrates dealing with wildlife crime; and if he will make a statement. [51268]

Mr. Keith Bradley

The Government are currently looking at the scope for a new set of sentencing guidelines under the auspices of a statutory body. The aim would be to build up a set of guidelines that would eventually embrace all types of offending, including wildlife offences, which would be easily accessible and command the respect of the judiciary, practitioners and the wider public. They will also help the courts in achieving greater consistency in sentencing thereby increasing public confidence in the criminal justice system.

John Barrett

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans the Government have to increase the maximum sentence for illegal dealing in wildlife; and if he will make a statement. [51381]

Mr. Keith Bradley

There are currently no plans to increase the maximum sentence for illegal dealing in wildlife. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) are, however, about to begin reviewing the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997 (COTES). This will consider whether the maximum penalties for wildlife trade offences remain appropriate.