asked the Minister for Justice if he has any legislative proposals to increase the size of penalties that may be imposed by the courts in respect of serious crime such as personal assault, mugging and robbery with violence; if so, if he will give details; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I have no such proposals, as I am satisfied that the maximum penalties laid down by statute for the offences mentioned by the Deputy are adequate. The maximum penalty for assault depends on the degree of the assault and varies from a fine of up to £50 or six months imprisonment for common assault to life imprisonment for unlawfully wounding or causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The maximum penalty for the other offences is life imprisonment.