asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what changes have occurred in the level of sentences for crimes of violence over the past two years.

The proportionate use of custody for offences of violence rose between 1983 and 1985, as did the average sentence length for males over 21 sentenced in the Crown court.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the most recent clear-up rate for crimes of violence; and whether he will make a statement.

In 1986 the clear-up rate for offences of violence against the person was 71 per cent. Although this rate represents a slight decrease on the previous year, the number of such offences cleared up was greater in 1986 than in 1985.