Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Home Department – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 9 Ebrill 2001.
Yes, I congratulate the borough of Knowsley and the Merseyside police service for all their excellent work in getting crime down. We have provided local authorities and the police with the powers for which they asked us and which they need better to tackle crime and disorder. For example, I am pleased to tell the House that, in respect of antisocial behaviour orders, which the Opposition have promised—and I quote—"to tear up", more than 200 have been issued. The latest analysis of the actions taken by the courts in respect of the small number of breaches has found that, of 19 people thus charged, 14 received a custodial sentence—a very, very good message that the courts, too, are taking the new orders seriously.