§ 17. Mr. LYONSasked the Home Secretary if he will state the progress of the work delegated to the committee considering the question of appeals from courts of summary jurisdiction; whether any report has yet been received; and when any recommendations will be published?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe committee which is examining this difficult subject has not yet reported.
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe committee, I understand, held their meetings in private.
§ Mr. LYONSCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the committee have asked for oral evidence from those willing to volunteer it?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am not certain that oral evidence would be required. They have asked for reports and information from the various interests concerned.
§ Mr. THORNECan the right hon. Gentleman state if the governors of any of the prisons have, from time to time, brought the prisoners together to ask them whether they have any complaints to make?
§ Mr. HOLFORD KNIGHTIs my right hon. Friend aware that this is a very serious hardship which is arising in the courts every day, and will he induce this committee—as the matter is quite a small one—to report as speedily as possible?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAs far as I know, it will probably report before very long.