Sentencing Policy (Lord Chancellor's Speech)

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Employment – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 2 May 1972.

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Photo of Mr Clinton Davis Mr Clinton Davis , Hackney Central 12:00, 2 May 1972

Is the House to understand that the right hon. Gentleman is repudiating the argument of the Lord Chancellor? Is he aware that the argument was that excessive severity could be put right on appeal, whereas excessive leniency could not, and therefore was that not a recommendation that courts should impose more severe penalties? Is not this the most absurd advice that has been given by any Lord Chancellor on sentencing policy at any time? Does not the right hon. Gentleman recognise that it would be infinitely damaging to the reputation of courts if large numbers of appeals were successful as a result of taking literally the advice of the Lord Chancellor?