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Home Office

Answer

Mr. Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many responses he has received commenting on the proposals in the consultation paper "Sentencing and Supervision of Sex Offenders". [956] Mr. Howard: We have received 238 formal responses to the consultation paper. In general, there was strong support for all the proposals canvassed. Not all respondents commented on all five proposals outlined in the consultation paper. Of those who did, 94 per cent. were in favour of extended supervision for convicted sex offenders released from prison; 82 per cent. were in favour of DNA testing of convicted sex offenders still serving a prison sentence who have not already been DNA tested; 87 per cent. supported a requirement for convicted sex offenders to notify the police of their address and any subsequent change thereto; 87 per cent. also supported the proposal to make it an offence for convicted sex offenders who seek employment with children; and 91 per cent. supported the proposal for a supervised access regime for victim statements and photographs in sex cases. I have considered all these responses carefully. The Crime (Sentences) Bill, published today, contains provision for the extended supervision of sex offenders after their release from custody. I will also be bringing forward proposals to require paedophiles and other serious sex offenders to notify changes of address to the police. Other proposals for legislation will be brought forward when suitable opportunities arise.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

956; 284 c14W

Session

1996-97

Subjects

Disclosure of information Genetics Probation Sentencing Sexual offences

Contains statistics

Yes