§ 29. Mr. Deedesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to bring up to date and republish the Home Office Research Unit Report on murder in order that the public may be fully and accurately informed on this issue.
§ Mr. Elystan MorganMy right hon. Friend has arranged for the publication, entitled "Murder" to be supplemented by a further report, to be published later this year.
§ Mr. DeedesWill the hon. Gentleman ensure that this is as up to date as possible? In view of the public debate that is bound to take place between now and July, 1970, the importance of making the discussion a well informed one on the basis of information provided by the Home Office can hardly be exaggerated.
§ Mr. MorganThe publication will cover the years 1957 to 1968. I am afraid that in so far as the figures for any year are concerned it is necessary for all the cases to pass the courts, and that does not normally happen until about May of the following year.
§ Mr. TinnWill my hon. Friend try to ensure that the report contains figures showing the trends and practice in other countries so that a more intelligent comparison can be made?
§ Mr. MorganI note my hon. Friend's remarks.