§ 18. Brigadier-General SPEARSasked the Home Secretary whether he can now state his decision with regard to the amendment of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act which makes sleeping out an offence?
§ 14. Colonel BALDWIN-WEBBasked the Home Secretary if he is yet in a position to make to the House a full statement in regard to the law on vagrancy?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAs I have already intimated, I have been considering some amendment of the particular provision in Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act, 1824, which deals with "sleeping out," and I hope that I may be in a position before long to introduce a Bill on the subject. It would I think be unfortunate if amendment of this particular provision were to be delayed pending a review of the general law relating to vagrancy.
§ Brigadier-General SPEARSCan the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea when he will introduce legislation?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe House knows that there is a good deal of legislation for discussion at the present moment. I cannot give any undertaking. As soon as I can, I will do so.