§ LORD BROOKE OF CUMNORMy 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 how soon they expect recommendations from the Criminal Law Revision Committee on the penalty for murder.]
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (LORD GARDINER)My Lords, it is desirable that the penalties for murder should be considered in the context of the Criminal Law Revision Committee's review of the law of homicide and offences against the person as a whole. The Committee are proceeding with this complex task as expeditiously as possible, but I cannot at present say when they will be able to present their recommendations.
§ LORD BROOKE OF CUMNORMy Lords, while thanking the noble and learned Lord for that Answer, may I ask whether he is aware that there is more public anxiety among the general public and among the police in particular about the length of term of imprisonment that convicted murderers will have to serve than about any other of the important questions contained in this reference to the Criminal Law Revision Committee? Would the Government consider asking the Criminal Law Revision Committee for an Interim Report dealing with the one matter which is the subject of my Question?
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, the Committee can of course consider whether it is practicable or desirable to consider any particular aspects of their results in isolation. If they think so, it is of course open to them to take that course.