Written question asked by John Bercow (Conservative) on Monday, 23 October 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 November 2000. It was answered by Lord Boateng (Labour) on Thursday, 2 November 2000 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if, in his review of sentencing policy, extending the right of appeal against lenient sentences to include the offence of the sale of drugs to children will be considered.

Answer: Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in his review of sentencing policy, extending the right of appeal against lenient sentences to include the offence of the sale of drugs to children will be considered. [134532] Mr. Boateng: Rights of appeal, whether by the prosecution or the defence, are not within the terms of reference of the current Review of the Sentencing Framework. However, on 24 July my hon. Friend the Minister of State announced an extension of the Attorney-General's powers to refer unduly lenient sentences to the Court of Appeal for review. From 21 August 2000 the Attorney- General has been able to refer sentences imposed for drug trafficking offences, including the offence of supplying a controlled drug. There is no separate offence of supplying drugs to children.

Secondary information