HC Deb 26 July 1965 vol 717 cc35-6W
Mr. Bishop

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what consideration he is giving to reducing the prison population by imposing other forms of penalty on those convicted and sentenced to three months' imprisonment or less;

(2) if he will allow suitable prisoners serving 18 months or more to be released on licence to an increasing extent.

Miss Bacon

The Royal Commission on the Penal System is considering, amongst other things, whether any changes are desirable in the penalties and methods of treatment available to the courts. In the meantime my right hon. and learned friend has it in mind to propose certain changes in the administration of medium and long-term sentences of imprisonment, but he is not yet ready to make a statement.