HC Deb 18 December 1958 vol 597 cc271-2W
Mr. Dodds

asked the Prime Minister what was the date on which the Royal Commission on the Law relating to Mental Illness and Mental Deficiency was set up; on what date the Commission completed its report; who were the practising lawyers on the Commission; and how long each served, giving dates in each case.

The Prime Minister

The Royal Commission on the Law relating to Mental Illness was appointed by Royal Warrant dated the 20th of February, 1954 and the Commission presented its report on the 7th of May, 1957. My right hon. and learned Friend the Member for York (Sir H. Hylton-Foster) was appointed an original Member of the Commission, but resigned upon appointment as Solicitor General on the 18th of October, 1954. In his place my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Middlesbrough, West, (Mr. Simon) was appointed on the 19th of November, 1954. He in turn resigned from the Commission on appointment as Joint Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department on the 18th of January, 1957. He was not replaced as the Commission was so near to completing its report.