Written question asked by Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Conservative) on Wednesday, 6 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 19 December 2000. It was answered by Jane Kennedy (Labour) on Tuesday, 19 December 2000 on behalf of the Lord Chancellor's Department.

Lord Chancellors Dept

Question: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, What guidance he has issued on sentencing policy for those dealing with intent in proscribed drugs. - Including ref to 25 July 2000, 354 c538W. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Mr. Clifton-Brown: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what guidance he has issued on sentencing policy for those dealing with intent in proscribed drugs. [141600] Jane Kennedy: I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave him on 25 July 2000, Official Report, column 538W. Sentencing is a matter for the courts. Parliament lays down the parameters within which sentencers must work. It is then for the courts to decide on the sentence in the light of the facts of the case and after taking into consideration the circumstances of the offence and the offender. The Government cannot issue guidance to sentencers as it is a fundamental principle that the Executive does not interfere with judicial discretion.

Secondary information