---

Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill

My Lords, we broadly support the propositions advanced by the noble Baroness, Lady Falkner. I note that the Standing Committee for Youth Justice produced a compelling paper, arguing in her favour. The philosophies of that paper and the proposed amendment are identical. The Government are denying themselves an important degree of flexibility in dealing with this class of offenders, which is open to them in dealing with adult offenders. That seems puzzling when you consider that more informal ways of dealing with offences for the under-18s generally have a better impact with respect to recidivism than court-imposed penalties. That the Government have not conceded that this approach is the better one just adds to one’s amazement.