HC Deb 22 June 1967 vol 748 cc310-1W
17. Mr. Iremonger

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many meetings a month the Advisory Council on the Penal System has held on average since its appointment; and how many meetings a month the Royal Commission on the Penal System and its committees and sub-committees held on average during the year before its dissolution.

46. Mr. Deedes

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many meetings have been held of the Advisory Committee on Penal Reform since its appointment; and what recommendations have so far been made to him.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

The standing Advisory Council has met twice since its appointment in September, 1966; its sub-committees considering specific topics meet on average about once a month and have yet to make their reports. I understand that the Royal Commission on the Penal System met on an average of about one and a half days a month during the year before its dissolution, and that its sub-committees considering specific aspects of the penal system met on one or two days a month while they were active.

18. Mr. Iremonger

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the report of the Advisory Council on the Penal System on restitution; and how soon after that he expects to introduce legislation.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

I hope that the Council will be able to report next year. I cannot say now when it will be possible to introduce legislation. Much will depend on the nature of the Council's recommendations.