§ 18. Mr. Collinsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set up a committee of inquiry into the results achieved by the system of preventive detention with a view to ascertaining the extent to which in its effects the system is reformative or merely punitive.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerAlthough the primary object of preventive detention is to protect society from persistent offenders, the Prison Commissioners do what they can to reform prisoners in this category. In view of the length of the sentences, there has not been time to assess their effects, but some preliminary studies are in hand. In these circumstances, I do not think that the appointment of a committee of inquiry is necessary at present.
§ Mr. CollinsIs the Home Secretary aware, particularly in the case of nuisance offenders, of the feeling of hopelessness engendered by a ten-year sentence? In any inquiries he makes, will the right hon. Gentleman pay particular regard to the provision of craft training and industrial employment, if possible outside prison, for the second-stage detainee?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir. If the hon. Member wishes to put any point to me, I shall be glad for him to do so.