§ 2.45 p.m.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government when it is expected that the Report of Mr. Justice Latey's Committee on the age of majority will be presented.]
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (LORD GARDINER)My Lords, I hope to receive the Report of Mr. Justice Latey's Committee on the age of majority within the next few weeks. I have no doubt that I shall decide to publish it. It takes a little time to get that kind of printing published, but I am still hoping that it may be done before the end of July. It is one of those documents which cannot be published unless the House is sitting. Therefore I hope that it will be published in July—if not, possibly in October.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, whilst thanking my noble and learned friend for that reply, which I greatly appreciate, may I ask him whether he will do his utmost to expedite decisions on the Report, because so many other matters are related to it? I am thinking particularly of the issue which is now being considered by the Ministry of Defence on the boys of 15 years of age who are committed to serve in the Armed Forces until they are 30. I learn from the Ministry that their decision will largely depend upon this Report.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, I can assure the noble Lord that I regard speed as the essence of the game, and decisions will certainly be taken promptly.