§ MR. SALT (Stafford)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether any decision has been arrived at as to the use and advantage of the anthropometrical system in this country?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)Careful inquiry has been made into this subject, and Reports have been obtained from the French Government showing the working of the system in France. I have consulted the Prison and Police Authorities in this country; and they are of opinion that, under the present system, the proportion of prisoners who are not recognized is so small that the necessity for any change is not by any means established. The proportion is estimated at 2½ per cent. I am still continuing my inquiries into the matter. Legislation would probably be necessary to carry any change into effect.