§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received concerning the Detention and Training Order sentencing policy; what measures he will take to punish juvenile offenders who commit less than £6,000 of damage; and if he will make a statement. [104345]
§ Hilary BennI have received no recent representations about the Detention and Training Order, (DTO), the main custodial sentence for young people aged 12 to 17. For criminal damage of £5,000 or more a DTO sentence may be imposed. For damage of any scale in custodial establishments, the Prison Service and Youth Justice Board have developed a joint re ward and sanctions strategy. This emphasises increased use of incentives, which can encourage positive behaviour and be withdrawn when negative behaviour is displayed. Most Young Offender Institutions have privilege schemes that are linked to sentence plans as well as institutional rules. For criminal damage of £5,000 or more a DTO sentence may be imposed. Where punishment is needed, this can include stoppage of earnings, restrictions on association and recreation, extra work and removal from normal Section.
§ Mrs. EllmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is on detaining the head of household in a detention centre in order to ensure that remaining members of the family abide by conditions; and when this policy was decided. [104600]
§ Beverley Hughes[holding answer 24 March 2003]: There is no policy which directs that a head of household should be detained, but neither is there anything to prevent this where it is considered appropriate. Use of detention is an operational matter, is used only as a last resort, and is decided according to the circumstances of each individual case.