§ LORD SNELLMy Lords, I beg to put the Question standing in my name.
§ [The Question was as follows: To ask His Majesty's Government whether any decision has been reached respecting the setting up of a committee of inquiry into the general problem of imprisonment for debt, as intimated by the Lord Chancellor in the debate which took place in the House of Lords on 6th December, 1932.]
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (VISCOUNT SANKEY)My Lords, the Home Secretary has decided to set up a Committee to review the existing law relating to the enforcement of fines imposed by courts of summary jurisdiction and to the enforcement of wife maintenance and affiliation orders and of payment of rates, and to consider whether by changes in the law or in the methods of administration 852 it is possible to reduce the number of imprisonments in default of payment, due regard being given to the importance of securing compliance with Orders made by the Courts. At the present time the personnel of the proposed Committee is under consideration and it is hoped that an announcement may be made at an early date. I can assure the noble Lord that I have seen the Home Secretary on the matter and I hope it will not be long before we are able to announce the names of the Committee.