Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill
12:00 pm
Mr. Hanson: I think that we are trespassing into the realm of debate on the issue, rather than simply addressing some of the points. I am happy to engage in that, but you may wish to consider moving on, Sir Nicholas.
In response to the hon. and learned Gentleman, we have increased dramatically the level of investment in probation over the last 10 years and the new Offender Management Act 2007 will give greater flexibility to the probation service to draw in and add value from the private and voluntary sectors. There is debate to be had.
My assessment is that the use of suspended sentence orders has led to an increase in prison population and increased use of prison when those orders have been breached. I would much prefer to have a more community-based focus, which is why we have introduced the provision. But I will supply the Committee with the information that it has requested on prolific offenders.