87. Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has yet received the report of the committee set up to inquire into the working of the hire-purchase system in Scotland; if so, whether he can state to the House what are the recommendations of the committee; whether he is prepared to put them into operation; and whether he proposes to publish the report?
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Arrangements are being made for early publication of the report, when it will be available to hon. Members and to the general public. The recommendations of the committee will receive my careful consideration.
Mr. MACLEANAs soon as the right hon. Gentleman has given this matter his consideration, when will he be likely to give information to the House of the steps that he proposes to take, seeing the number of people who are being unjustly treated in Scotland by being sent to prison?
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRI shall make a statement as soon as my consideration of the question is concluded.
§ Mr. BUCHANANCannot the right hon. Gentleman take action now to stop this practice of imprisoning men in respect of hire-purchase, by making those who are responsible for the people being put into prison pay more for the cost of maintaining them in prison?
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRI will certainly consider that point.