§ Mr. WATTasked the Lord Advocate if he will state to the House the reasons for the extension of service of the chairman of the Scottish Prison Commission for 2½ years beyond the compulsory retiral age; was it on account of his exceptional efficiency; and, if so, will he say whether the work of the Prisons Commissioners is subject to any independent inspection, or do they report on themselves?
§ The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. Alexander Ure)My hon. Friend is correct in his surmise; various exceptional matters in connection with prison administration have been engaging the attention of the Prison Commissioners during this period, and in view of the long experience and special qualifications of the chairman it was thought desirable to retain his services. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative. The Prison Commissioners present an annual Report to the Secretary for Scotland, in the same manner as other Departments of Government in Scotland, which is laid before Parliament, and the Vote for the Department forms part of the annual Estimates, and is, of course, subject to the criticism of the House of Commons.
§ Mr. WATTIs it the case that the present Commissioners reported on their own chairman that he was exceptionally efficient; and that on that Report an extension of the time was twice made?