To ask the Attorney-General how many cases of causing death by dangerous driving have been referred to him for reference to the Court of Appeal on the grounds of unduly lenient sentence in the last 18 months; how many he has referred to the Court of Appeal; and how many sentences have been increased as a result of such referrals. [67657]

Since 27 July 1997 19 cases of causing death by dangerous driving in England and Wales have been referred to the Law Officers. 12 were referred by members of the public (3 through their MPs); 7 were referred by the CPS.Of these 19, 1 case has not yet been considered; in 13 cases the sentence passed was not considered unduly lenient; 5 cases have been referred to the Court of Appeal. The sentence was increased by the Court of Appeal in 4 cases (although in one case the overall sentence, taking into account two other offences, was not increased). 1 case has yet to be heard.