HC Deb 24 July 1969 vol 787 c2115
15. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek to amend the terms of reference of the Constitutional Commission so as to obtain an interim report or reports within the next 12 months.

Mr. Callaghan

No, Sir. But it will be open to the Commission to present an interim report at any time, if it thinks this desirable.

Mr. Hamilton

Can my right hon. Friend say how the commission is going, and whether or not it has decided to issue an interim report? In view of prospect of a protracted inquiry, an interim report would seem desirable.

Mr. Callaghan

I have not had conversations recently with the chairman, so I am afraid that I cannot answer my hon. Friend's supplementary question. But, if he wishes me to, I will inquire, and let him know.

Sir D. Renton

When the Home Secretary refers to the possibility of an interim report being published, can he say what he envisaged it might cover?

Mr. Callaghan.

No, Sir. I do not know, in fact, whether the commission intends to present one.