To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the average sentence for an offender aged over 18 years on a first conviction for a domestic burglary offence according to the most recent figures available; [10860](2) how many offenders aged over 18 years on a third conviction, or on a conviction after three or more previous convictions, for an offence of domestic burglary received a non-custodial sentence according to the most recent figures available; [10862](3) what is the average sentence for an offender aged over 18 years on a third conviction, or on a conviction after three or more previous convictions, for an offence of domestic burglary according to the most recent figures available. [10863]

The most recent available information comes from a sample of nearly 700 domestic burglars, aged 18 years or over, sentenced in March 1996. Of those with no previous convictions for domestic burglary, 46 per cent. received a non-custodial sentence. The average custodial sentence length for offenders on a first conviction for domestic burglary was 13.9 months. Of those who had at least two previous convictions for domestic burglary, 23 per cent. received a non-custodial sentence; this represents about 1,000 offenders in a full year. The average custodial sentence length for offenders on a third or greater conviction for domestic burglary was 16.8 months.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the average sentence for an offender aged over 18 years on a first conviction for a class A drug trafficking offence according to the most recent figures available; [10861](2) what is the average sentence for an offender aged over 18 years on a third conviction, or on a conviction after three or more previous convictions, for a class A drug trafficking offence according to the most recent figures available. [10864]

The information requested is not routinely available because class of drug was not recorded for central sentencing statistics before 1993. A special study was carried out on repeat drug offenders sentenced in October to December 1994. For the offenders aged 18 or over in the study, the average custodial sentence length for those convicted of a third or subsequent class A drug trafficking offence was just over four years. First-time class A drug traffickers were not covered by the study.