§ 47. Mr. Hydeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will set up a Departmental committee to examine penal methods capable of providing satisfactory alternatives to the present frequent short prison sentences, as recently recommended by the Howard League for Penal Reform.
§ Sir H. Lucas-ToothMy right hon. and gallant Friend received last week a letter from the Howard League proposing the setting up of a Departmental committee to consider possible ways of reducing the number of short prison sentences and making certain suggestions which might be considered by such a committee. While he has some doubt whether the setting up of a committee would be an appropriate course, the problem is certainly an important one, and he is giving careful consideration to the proposal and to the suggestions which the Howard League have brought to his notice.