§ Mr. Russellasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has for a review of the criminal statistics; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrookeI am anxious that a review should be made, and I have decided to appoint a Committee with the following terms of reference
To consider and report what changes, if any, are desirable in existing arrangements in England and Wales for the recording and reporting for statistical purposes of information about criminal offences and proceedings, and about non-criminal proceedings in magistrates' courts, and in the collection and presentation of statistics relating to these matters".I am grateful to all those who have accepted my invitation to serve on this Committee. The Membership will be as follows:
- Mr. Wilfred Perks (Chairman).
- Mr. W. K. Angus.
- Mr. B. N. Bebbington, O.B.E.
- Chief Superintendent J. C. Bliss.
- Miss Beryl Cooper.
- Mr. T. S. Lodge.
- Mr. F. H. McClintock.
- Mr. R. E. Millard.
- Professor C. A. Moser.
- Mr. R. W. Walker.
- Mr. A. F. Wilcox, O.B.E.
- Mr. H. B. Wilson.
- The Baroness Wootton of Abinger.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland is arranging for a similar review of the Scottish statistics.