§ 29. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has now had an opportunity of considering the recommendations of his Advisory Council on the Penal System 1669 for rationalising and strengthening the various powers of the courts to order the offenders to make reparations, including the proposal for an experimental scheme whereby selected offenders would be made bankrupt with a view to the distribution of their assets to their victims ; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CarlisleMy right hon. Friend hopes to introduce legislation, when there is a suitable opportunity, to implement the Advisory Council's recommendations concerning the powers of the courts to order reparation. The proposal for an experimental scheme of criminal bankruptcy raises some complex practical issues, which are being studied.
§ Mr. LewisI thank the Minister for his helpful reply and suggest that he might have a word with the Leader of the House to the effect that there would be plenty of opportunity for legislation on this important subject if he dropped the proposed legislation concerning the Common Market?
§ Mr. CarlisleThe hon. Gentleman should await the outcome of future Queen's Speeches to see when there will be an opportunity to implement this report.