§ 19. Sir T. BRAMSDONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the urgent need and insistent public demand for an inquiry into the prison system and the administration of His Majesty's prisons and Borstal institutions, he will consider the appointment of a thoroughly representative Royal Commission at an early date for this purpose?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)The matter is under consideration, and I hope to come to a decision shortly.
§ Viscountess ASTORWill the right hon. Gentleman realise, before he does come to a decision, that no Commission can be thoroughly representative unless it have a woman on it?
Mr. FOOTI understood the right hon. Gentleman to say that the decision was to be arrived at shortly. Is there any possibility of that decision being arrived at before the House rises on Friday?
§ Mr. SHORTTI am afraid not. There are a number of matters to be settled with other Departments before a decision can be reached.