HC Deb 24 May 2002 vol 386 cc709-10W
Mr. Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many antisocial behaviour orders have been issued (1) in Lancashire in each year since their inception; [57279]

(2) been issued in Wales in each year since their inception. [57285]

Mr. Denham

Official statistics on the number of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBO) issued are based on quarterly returns received from Magistrates' Courts Committees (MCCs). Latest available information is given in the table.

Number of anti-social behaviour orders(1) issued within Lancashire and Wales from 1 April 1999 to 31 December 2001
Area/MCC Period 1 Apr 99–31 Dec 00(2) 1 Jan 01–31 Dec 01 Total
Lancashire 10 7 17
Wales 2 5 7
Dyfed Powys 0 0 0
Gwent 0 2 2
North Wales 1 0 1
South Wales 1 3 4
(1) Introduced under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 on 1 April 1999.
(2) From 1 April 1999 to 31 May 2000 information collected on the total number of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders issued by police force area only.

The requirement for further checks for completeness of information reported from MCCs is currently under review.

Mr. Laws

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of antisocial behaviour orders; and if he will make a statement. [56234]

Mr. Denham

[holding answer 21 May 2002]The Home Office review of anti-social behaviour orders was published on 2 April 2002. This review found that ASBOs are being used successfully to reduce anti-social behaviour and increased public confidence in the partner agencies. The review also found that the use of ASBOs was not consistent between areas and the Government is taking a range of steps in the Police Reform Bill to make anti-social behaviour orders more effective. They includean interim order which will protect the community at the start of the court process. allowing ASBOs to cover a wider geographical area which will remove the need for repeat applications. allowing ASBOs to be made in county courts and on conviction in criminal courts and thereby reducing the number of times witnesses need to appear and avoiding the need for a separate court process. When these measures come into force we will produce clear and practical guidance on the legislation and on obtaining ASBOs, including relevant case studies.