Written question asked by Lord Risby (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 5 February 1997. It was answered by Lord Selkirk of Douglas (Conservative) on Wednesday, 5 February 1997 on behalf of the Scottish Office.

Scottish Office

Question: What assessment he has made of the effect of his proposals for automatic life sentences on levels of serious crime. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Mr. Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the effect of his proposals for automatic life sentences on levels of serious crime. [12906] Lord James Douglas-Hamilton: Figures for recent years suggest that 20 to 30 offenders a year would be liable to receive an automatic life sentence under our proposals in the Crime and Punishment (Scotland) Bill. The public deserves an increased measure of protection from those offenders who have demonstrated by their repeated serious offending that they present a particular risk and our proposals will provide it.

Secondary information