Written question asked by James Clappison (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 May 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 25 May 1999. It was answered by George Howarth (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 May 1999 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many unacceptable absences are allowed before an offender on community supervision becomes the subject of breach proceedings.

Answer: Mr. Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many unacceptable absences are allowed before an offender on community supervision becomes the subject of breach proceedings. [84889] Mr. George Howarth: The current National Standards for the Supervision of Offenders in the Community require breach proceedings to be taken on, or before, a third unacceptable absence. The Government are keen to improve the enforcement of community penalties and are at present reviewing the National Standards with a view to introducing revised Standards next April.

Secondary information