Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 10 March 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 23 March 2004. It was answered by Paul Goggins (Labour) on Tuesday, 23 March 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he proposes that the Sentencing Guidelines Council should have a role in (a) reducing sentence lengths and (b) less serious offenders being jailed.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he proposes that the Sentencing Guidelines Council should have a role in (a) reducing sentence lengths and (b) less serious offenders being jailed. [160803] Paul Goggins: The work of the Sentencing Guidelines Council will lead to a greater consistency in sentencing around the country. The Government has made it clear that prison should be used only for the most serious, dangerous and persistent offenders.

Secondary information