Justice: Cautions

Lord Phillips of Sudbury Excerpts

Tuesday 11th March 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Faulks]

I am sure—as was the Minister who previously answered Questions—that there is a great deal to be learnt from Scotland. Should the opportunity arise, I will certainly take advantage of it.

[Lord Phillips of Sudbury (LD)]

Might the decline in statistics—I hate even to question it—be down to the almost complete absence of the bobby on the beat?

[Lord Faulks]

I do not accept that. The use of cautions is widespread. One of the reasons we are making absolutely clear on the statute book the circumstances in which cautions should be used is that it will enable local scrutiny of the use of cautions. Indeed, this will enable the much maligned police commissioners to look at the figures, to be answerable to the community and to ensure that the statistics remain at a satisfactory level.