§ Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement on the action to be taken by the Government with reference to the work of the Advisory Council on the Penal System concerning prison sentences.
§ Mr. MaudlingI assume that the hon. Member has in mind the recent report of the Advisory Council on non-custodial and semi-custodial penalties. I welcome this Report as a most constructive review of the possibilities in present circumstances of developing alternatives to the custodial treatment of offenders. I have begun discussions with interested Departments and representative organisations, on the various recommendations.