23. Viscountess ASTORasked the Home Secretary when the Report of the Departmental Committee on child assault is likely to be published; and if he can give any assurance that the evidence will also be published?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI am informed that the Committee hope to present their Report early in December. It is not proposed to publish the evidence, as, apart from the need for economy, much of it was given under an assurance that it would not be published.
Viscountess ASTORIs it not a little difficult for those interested in this question to make up their minds unless they can see part of the evidence, if there is any objection to having part of it published?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI will convey what the Noble Lady says to my right hon. Friend, but unless the circumstances are very exceptional, it is not advisable to publish all the evidence.
Viscountess ASTORDoes not this point to the fact that it is better to have a House of Commons Committee at which you can get the evidence than a Departmental Committee at which you can never see it?