The paper highlights provisions of the 1976 Bail Act regarding special circumstances where the courts can refuse bail. Despite these standards, a table demonstrates considerable differences in the remand decision reached by courts in different parts of the country. For example, Dorset remands in custody over 33 percent of those charged with indictable offenses, compared to a national average of 14 percent or as little as 4 percent in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. Similar disparities exist within county boundaries. Remands in custody are more likely to be imposed by courts which are among the most punitive in overall sentencing policy. Finally, the capricious nature of remand decisions is exacerbated by the uneven spread of bail hostel accommodations. 2 tables.