§ 33. Mr. John Hallasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Advisory Council on the Treatment of Offenders has now completed its survey of the problem presented by those cases now dealt with by short-term prison sentences; and if he will make a statement.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeNo, Sir. This is a complicated problem which necessitates a great deal of study and consultation. The Advisory Council has started work upon it, but I do not expect that it will be in a position to report to me for some time.
§ Mr. HallIn view of the need to relieve the tremendous pressure on prison accommodation, will my right hon. and gallant Friend do his best to ensure that this matter is dealt with as speedily as possible?
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeI received the report of the more detailed proposals from the Howard League on 15th November, and on 21st November the Advisory Council appointed a sub-committee which will let me know about this matter as soon as it possibly can.