HC Deb 22 March 1951 vol 485 c323W
Mr. Benson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will review the arrangements for reestablishing men and women released from prison to the care of discharged prisoners' aid societies.

Mr. Ede

Yes. After consultation with the National Association of Discharged Prisoners' Aid Societies, I have decided to appoint a joint committee of representatives of that Association and of the Prison Commissioners, under an independent chairman, to review the functions and finance of the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Societies, and of the National Association of Discharged Prisoners' Aid Societies in so far as it acts in the capacity of an aid society, and in particular to consider and make recommendations as to—

  1. (1) the parts to be played by the Societies and by the State respectively, in the reestablishment and welfare of discharged prisoners;
  2. (2) the question of extending provision for after-care in suitable cases, and the methods of making any such provision;
  3. (3) the financial requirements of the work, and the principles which should govern the division of the cost as between the State and private benevolence; and
  4. (4) any changes that may be required in organisation and staffing, whether of the Aid Societies or in the prisons, for the more effective prosecution of the work.

Sir Alexander Maxwell has accepted my invitation to be chairman of the Committee.