HC Deb 24 March 2004 vol 419 cc866-7W
Mr. Oaten

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what method was used to estimate the effect on crime rates of the increased use of prison set out on page 16 of "Managing Offenders, Reducing Crime: A New Approach"; and if he will list the sources used in the preparation of the estimate. [161722]

Paul Goggins

The estimate of the effect on crime rates of increased prison was made by Patrick Carter's team as part of his independent review of correctional services. I understand that the estimate was arrived at after examining a number of sources both international and domestic that encompassed a range of different techniques and results.

Mr. Oaten

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the evidential basis is for the statement on page 15 of "Managing Offenders, Reducing Crime: A New Approach" that 100,000 persistent offenders commit 50 per cent. of all crime. [161723]

Paul Goggins

The statistic is taken from Annexe B of the Criminal Justice System document, Criminal Justice; The Way ahead, published February 2001.