HC Deb 15 March 2004 vol 419 cc129-30W
Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the case for using electronic tagging for sex offenders; and if he will make a statement. [157347]

Paul Goggins

Electronic tagging is already used with some sex offenders to monitor compliance with a curfew requirement, as part of an intensive supervision package. It does not, however, monitor their location as they move from one place to another. We are now actively considering the use of satellite tracking technology, which does monitor location, with a range of offender categories. Subject to the outcome of equipment testing, we hope to start a number of pilot schemes shortly.