§ 50. Mr. Greyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent the existing functions and responsibilities of the Prison Commissioners will be transferred to the Home Office on 1st April, 1963; what steps are now being taken to amalgamate certain branches and responsibilities of both departments as a result of the Criminal 221W Justice Act, 1961; and to what extent these steps will affect any Statutory Orders that might be brought before the House under the provisions of that Act.
§ Mr. BrookeUnder Section 24 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1961, provision may be made by Order in Council for transferring to the Secretary of State any or all of the functions of the Prison Commissioners. The section also provides that no recommendation shall be made to Her Majesty in Council to make such an Order unless a draft has been approved by each House of Parliament. I have not yet carried my consultations to the point when I am in a position to lay a draft.