§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what recommendations of the working party report on bail procedure in magistrates' courts he intends to implement through legislation;
(2) what recommendations of the working party report on bail procedures in magistrates' courts are being implemented by administrative means; and how many recommendations have so far been implemented by such means.
§ Mr. Alexander W. LyonWe have not yet reached detailed conclusions on every recommendation in the report, but my right hon. Friend expects to implement by legislation those on the presumption in favour of bail, the requirement to give reasons for the refusal of bail, the creation of an offence of absconding while on bail and certain changes in the surety system. He also expects, subject to necessary consultations, to give broad effect by administrative means to the remaining recommendations that call for action, or, as appropriate, to commend them to the courts. The recommendations relating to bail hostels have been implemented, and those proposing the collection of information relevant to bail decisions are the subject of an experiment which is about to begin.