asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation to give him power to prevent coroners delaying the holding of inquests and thereby causing distress to relatives of the deceased.

Any legislation on this subject must await the report of the Committee under the chairmanship of Mr. Norman Broderick, Q.C., which is reviewing the whole of the law relating to coroners and coroners' courts.

Will my right hon. Friend bring to the attention of the Committee the circumstances known to the Home Office, in which great distress was caused to one of my constituents because of the coroner's very long delay in holding an inquest?

Yes, we will certainly do that, but I remind my hon. Friend that, although we undertook to look into the matter which he has mentioned, my right hon. Friend has no responsibilities whatever in respect of coroners or coroners' courts, because the coroner is an independent judicial officer. But we will certainly bring anything to the attention of the Committee.

Is the right hon. Lady aware that there is a growing body of informed opinion which believes that the whole office and machinery of coroners' inquests require overhaul and that many believe that we should be wise to follow the excellent example of the Scottish procedure?

It is precisely those matters which are being considered by the Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for reports from chief constables on the extent to which they allow officers under their control to act as spare-time examiners for the League of Safe Drivers.

The extent to which serving police officers can be permitted or encouraged to undertake spare-time activities of this kind is a matter for chief officers of police to decide in the light of local circumstances; and my right, hon. Friend sees no need for any action on his part.

Does not my hon. Friend agree that the League discharges an important and honourable duty and should be encouraged in every way possible?

I agree, and I think that the Ministry of Transport looks with favour on the work of the League, but how far the police can assist must depend on the local circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what provision he is making to ensure adequate access by the Press to proceedings of administrative bodies set up as a result of reorganisation and amalgamation of police forces.

The position of a combined police authority does not differ in this respect from that of any other police authority.

I am most grateful for that reply. Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that it will be very welcome to the Press, which discharges the very important function of watching the public interest?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied that aliens and naturalised British subjects in this country who are brought before the courts for alleged offences are sufficiently protected, because of language difficulty, to ensure they under stand the proceedings and get a fair trial; and if he will take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to provide for adequate assistance in the courts for such persons.

I am satisfied that in principle the law and practice already afford adequate protection, but my right hon. Friend is considering the steps needed to remedy some minor defects.

I welcome that reply. I hope that it will receive the widest publicity and alleviate a hardship in my constituency.

What are the present arrangements for interpretation in criminal courts?

In criminal courts there is adequate free assistance for interpretation available for the defence, and, of course, the prosecution would provide its own interpreters.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions were made under anti-litter regulations during the last 12 months.

During 1965, the last complete year for which statistics are available, there were 2,914 prosecutions in England and Wales under the Litter Act, 1958.

As these prosecutions do not seem to have materially improved the slovenly state of the towns and countryside, would my hon. Friend consider what other steps could be taken to deal with this shocking condition and perhaps other methods for encouraging public responsibility? May I remind him that in this House, for example, a sackful of litter is taken from this Chamber every morning? Perhaps we could begin by setting an example here.

I am not responsible for dealing with litter in the House, but I will certainly bear in mind my hon. Friend's remarks. The provisions of the Litter Act are matters for the Minister of Housing and Local Government and not the Home Office.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of the number of children in care are from normal families who have been evicted from their homes; and what discussions he has had with local authorities and other bodies about the possibility of avoiding eviction in such cases.

The information is not available in the form requested, but over a recent period of 12 months, just over 3 per cent. of the children received into care by local authorities in England and Wales came from evicted families. I propose to consider with the other Ministers concerned, in consultation with the local authority associations, what further guidance should be issued to local authorities on problems of homelessness.

May I thank the Home Secretary for that reply. In view of the fact that this separation from parents, in addition to them losing their home, can have a very serious, long-term effect on children, would not the Home Secretary agree that we should end this as soon as possible and deal with the difficulties of local authorities in this respect?

I feel some concern about this and that is precisely why I am looking at the matter in consultation with my right hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now take steps to establish machinery for serious allegations by members of the public against the police to be independently investigated.

I do not at present contemplate any change in the statutory arrangements for dealing with complaints against police officers; but I shall continue to keep them under close review.

As New York has shown that this is perfectly practicable, will my right hon. Friend introduce this inevitable reform sooner rather than later, in view of the beneficial effect that it will have upon police public relations which, I think my right hon. Friend will agree, are the foundation of police effectiveness?

The new scheme in New York is just beginning and I should like to see how it works out. The provisions of Section 49 of the Police Act, 1964, have been operating for only a bare two years and I should like to see how they work out for a little longer.

If the Minister does set up any such inquiry, will he appoint as its head some thoroughly expert Sherlock Holmes who will have regard to the fact that many bogus charges are made against the police by organised perjurers?

I do not know about getting a Sherlock Holmes, but it is certainly the case that 90 per cent. of the complaints against the police prove to be unfounded. Although there is a substantial number of complaints against the police each year, this number is considerably exceeded by the number of letters of appreciation received by the police from the public.

Would the Home Secretary repudiate at once the allegation made by his hon. Friend the Member for Hampstead (Mr. Whitaker) that reform in this field, to quote his hon. Friend, is inevitable? Would he also bear in mind that police public relations will be undermined still further if the strength and power of perjurers is reinforced?

I pay the greatest possible regard to police public relations and I am extremely anxious to foster them. I think that the hon. Member for Kidderminster had better conduct his private debates with the hon. Member for Hampstead.

On a point of order. Is it not the fact that my hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Sir T. Brinton) is not present in the Chamber?

I overestimated the hon. Member's degree of continuity.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions he has ordered fireworks to be rendered harmless under Section 1 of the Fireworks Act, 1951, during the latest period for which figures are available.

None, Sir. My Department seeks to ensure safety in the design and manufacture of fireworks by frequent inspections of firework factories and by close consultation with the trade.

Since during the fireworks period each year 2,000 to 3,000 accidents occur involving fireworks, is my right hon. Friend satisfied that the system of inspection is adequate?

Yes, I am satisfied that the system is adequate, and I very much regret the fact that there are so many accidents. These accidents usually arise from carelessness and misuse of fireworks which are not handled according to the instructions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will appoint a committee to inquire into the workings of the jury system in civil and criminal cases, respectively, with a view to the introduction of appropriate legislation.

Recommendations about eligibility for jury service and related matters have already been made by the Departmental Committee on Jury Service. I am considering whether any action is necessary on other aspects of the jury system.

As the Departmental Committee expressly pointed out that it was not inquiring into the merits of the jury system or its efficiency as a matter of ensuring justice, would my right hon. Friend agree that its mere antiquity should not protect it from an inquiry into these aspects?

Its mere antiquity should certainly not protect it from an inquiry nor should we always shelter behind an inquiry in all circumstances. I am considering whether we can or should take action, while preserving the jury system, to make it more efficient.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the almost religious veneration with which a jury has been regarded hitherto is beginning to disappear, even in the minds of the judiciary?

I should have thought that the judiciary was perhaps leading in bringing about this disappearance. I am certainly paying close attention to what they, and to what lay members of the public, have to say.

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind when he is pursuing these investigations into whether legislation is necessary to amend our jury system in a way that there are a great many people, in the House and outside of it, who do not share the rather odd view of the Lord Chief Justice that normally a jury is wrong when it acquits and right when it convicts?

I will endeavour to bear all considerations in mind when studying this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to increase the number of trained child-care officers and to increase the salaries of these officers.

My right hon. Friend has approved the Central Training Council's proposals to expand the annual output of qualified students from about 275 in 1966 to 650 in 1969. Further proposals are under consideration. Salaries are a matter for the established negotiating machinery for local authority staffs and not for my right hon. Friend.

Does my right hon. Friend really believe that enough is being done, even along the lines suggested, in recruiting these officers? Is my right hon. Friend aware that most local authority child-care departments have tremendous difficulty in recruiting enough people and that most are desperately short of child-care officers?

Yes, I am not minimising the shortage, but I want to emphasise that we are providing the training facilities to increase the number of child-care officers considerably over the next few years. We are determined to do everything that we can, because we know that there is such extreme anxiety.

Can the right hon. Lady say whether the Government's wage freeze will apply to child-care and probation officers?

That is another question which I could not answer now.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the functions of the Royal Commission for the Exhibition in 1851; and what are the sources and annual amount of its income.

Its function is to further the general objects for which the Exhibition of 1851 was designed, in particular to increase the means of industrial education and to extend the influence of science and art on productive industry. Its income derives from investment of the profits of the Exhibition and amounts to some £71,500 a year.

Does my right hon. Friend agree with the proposition that it is perhaps about time that he wound up this Royal Commission and transferred its functions to the Department of Education and Science, a Department which is publicly accountable to this House? Can he say whether there is any overlap between the functions of this Commission and the Department of Education and Science?

It is perfectly true that this body has been in existence for a rather longer time than most Royal Commissions, but it is not entirely in the nature of a Royal Commission in the normal sense of the word. The Commission performs some useful functions. It endows science research scholarships for Commonwealth students and senior students in the United Kingdom and awards Rome scholarships in the fine arts. It presents reports to the House every 10 years, which, in view of its antiquity, is not perhaps an unreasonable period. I will certainly look, in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science, to see whether there is any overlapping.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations have been made to him on the growth of gang warfare in England and Wales; what replies he has sent; and whether he will make a statement.

I have had no representations exactly in the terms of my hon. Friend's Question, but I am in close contact with the Commissioner of Police about this and other major aspects of the crime situation.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a widespread belief that gang warfare is on the increase because of the rise in the number of gaming clubs in London?

My hon. Friend has another Question down about gaming clubs to which we shall come in a moment. So far as the wider considerations are concerned, these matters can be debated on Monday.

In view of the great increase in the viciousness of crimes, and the sufferings of innocent persons involved, why will not the Home Secretary flog these people? If he will not do so, what other sort of punishment does he think is adequate?

When confronted with a problem I do not believe in hitting out blindly.

That is a stupid answer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek powers to exercise stricter control over gaming clubs.

I shall shortly be circulating provisional proposals for amending legislation to the various bodies concerned and inviting their comments.

Would my right hon. Friend also consider the vast amount of money which changes hands in these clubs and try to find out from where it comes?

I shall be considering all these aspects of the matter with a view to introducing amending legislation, which I believe is necessary.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this is a matter which interests a great number of hon. Members on both sides of the House? Will he give hon. Members an opportunity to know at least in general the nature of the proposals he is about to circulate?

I will look at that, because I am anxious that there should be as wide a climate of informed opinion on this matter as possible.

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is a strong fear that some of the worst elements of American protection racketeers have been attracted to this country because of the tremendous pickings? We look forward to and hope that the amending legislation will bear this in mind.

I shall bear all aspects, including this one, in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now introduce legislation to end discrimination in employment on racial grounds by management and trade unions in British industry.

If further experience shows that the existing machinery for dealing with discrimination in employment is inadequate, my right hon. Friend will be prepared to consider introducing any necessary legislation.

I am grateful for that reply. In view of the increasing number of children of immigrants who are growing up in this country and are not content to be confined to menial jobs, and in order to avoid the sort of racial tension that there is in America, is it not essential that they be given equality of opportunity in competing for skilled jobs?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when Her Majesty's Government intends to introduce legislation to remedy the anomalies in the law governing the adoption of children.

My right hon. Friend has no immediate plans for legislation, but he will be glad to consider any specific proposals the hon. Member has in mind.

Will he, or she, consider this proposal, namely, that the period of possession of the child which must elapse before the adopting parents can make an application for an order be reduced, since this is a period of great anguish and anxiety for them?

I realise that it is a period of very great anguish, although there are two points of view on this matter. We all know of cases in which the mother agrees to her child being adopted while she is in an emotional state after the birth of the child and wishes to retain it afterwards. We are considering this matter and will look at proposals made to us.

As there is so much concern about this aspect of the matter, about third-party adoptions and general procedure, is it not time that consideration was given to the appointment of an informed committee to investigate what is a very difficult problem and one upon which there are so many views?

This is an interesting suggestion which we will consider. As my hon. Friend knows, the National Bureau for Co-operation in Child Care is at this moment conducting a national study of adoption sponsored by the Home Office. A great deal needs to be learnt about this very difficult problem. But we will listen to views which anyone has.

Will the right hon. Lady bear in mind that there are not two but three points of view about this matter? The third is the interest of the child which is all too often forgotten in the war between two prospective homes.

I agree with the right hon. and learned Gentleman that the welfare of the child should be the primary consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for reports from the chief constables concerned regarding the action they have taken to inquire into the threats to sabotage the construction of the Severn Bridge; whether he is satisfied with the security arrangements being made on the opening of the bridge by Her Majesty the Queen; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend has received reports from the Chief Constables of Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire, and is satisfied that appropriate arrangements have been made.

In view of the fact that today we have learnt of a most unfortunate threat to the life of the Secretary of State for Wales, and in view of the past incidents by self-styled Welsh Nationalists and the tardy repudiation by their leaders of this type of conduct, may I ask my hon. Friend to take particular care, in view of the concern in Monmouth, that special security arrangements are made?

I think that we should, in all fairness, distinguish between Welsh Nationalists and those who have been making threats against a certain bridge and other properties. I assure my hon. Friend that the necessary measures have been taken and that we will guard the Severn Bridge and the Secretary of State for Wales, and other valuable property, with the greatest care.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why he proposes to extend the term of election of members of the councils of London boroughs elected in 1964.

Because of the low polls which would be likely to result from two local government elections being held in successive months in 1967; and because of the administrative difficulties and the risk of confusion to the electors likely to result from elections for both tier authorities being held on the same day in later years.

Is it not a very dubious principle to extend the mandate of people who have been elected for a fixed term? Is not the real reason for this the desire of the Labour Party to retain control of boroughs which it will lose at the next election for a year during which they can impose comprehensive education?

No, not at all. I received representations in favour of the change from 27 out of 32 London borough councils, by no means all of which were Labour-controlled.

Would my right hon. Friend remind and educate right hon. and hon. Members opposite that, by the London Government Act, they created new powers extending the authority of the elected members of local councils?

Is it a fact that out of the 27 boroughs to which the Secretary of State referred 20 were Labour-controlled? Is it only a merciful dispensation of providence that their political interest happened to coincide with what they regarded as their public duty, or is it just another case of Socialist fiddle and fix?

In considering the representations from London boroughs, I have to take into account the fact that the electorate of London boroughs have, in their wisdom, given very large majorities to Labour representatives. But, as the right hon. and learned Gentleman made clear, seven Conservative boroughs requested this change with equal enthusiasm.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he has taken to ensure that residents in Kew and Richmond are given adequate warning of possible flood hazard from the River Thames.

As the hon. Member was informed in answer to his Question of 10th March, the arrangements were reviewed earlier this year, and in future there should be an improvement of 30 minutes in the speed with which warnings are broadcast at Kew and Richmond. This should ensure that warnings are always given in good time.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this 30-minute extension is totally inadequate? In view of the grave concern caused locally, would he consider this matter again since, with the prospect of winter coming on and floods taking place, 30 minutes plus the original time will not be adequate to enable householders to take the necessary precautions?

The only way in which better notice could be given would be if, every time there was a chance of high tide, warning was given, which would mean in a number of cases that false alarms would be given. I am advised that warning to the public two and a quarter hours before predicted high water, which is what will be the case, should be adequate, and that there will be no serious risk of damage to life or property.

I declare an interest in this matter as my house is subject to flooding. Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I wholly support the point put to him by the hon. Member for Richmond, Surrey (Mr. A. Royle), but that the solution is to stop the Thames from overflowing its banks? Would he, therefore, kindly do what he can to encourage the authorities concerned to raise the embankment by 3 ft.? In days when we can explore space and build enormous new premises for local authorities, surely we can stop the river getting into people's houses.

I realise that, since King Canute was not notably successful, building higher banks would be the answer, but that is not part of the responsibility of the Home Office.

Will the hon. Gentleman also look at the question of the tidal warning? Is he aware that a policeman with a handbell is heard by only a very few people, and such a warning ought to be by siren or maroon?

I will certainly look into the nature of the warning which is given.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to introduce legislation to implement the proposals contained in the White Paper, Command Paper No. 2739, of a year ago.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has for introducing the new legislation recommended in the Government's White Paper on Immigration published last year.

As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has explained, an independent committee is first reviewing the question of providing rights of appeal.

Do the Government still stand by their proposals on immigration contained in their White Paper of a year ago? If they do, why should they take so long to implement those proposals?

Yes, Sir. We wish to have the considered Report of the Wilson Committee on the rights of appeal against refusal of entry for both Commonwealth citizens and alien citizens.

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect to receive the Report of this Committee, which has been set up to investigate the proposals put forward by his own Department after a very careful review?

I do not think it right to press this Committee to produce a Report earlier than it thinks it right to do so. I hope to receive it in the early months of next year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons were convicted in England and Wales of offences under the Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1964, from the commencement of the Act to 31st December, 1964, and in each quarter since then until the end of the first quarter of 1966; and whether such convictions generally show an increase.

The figures for these periods are 79, 206, 188, 222, 254 and 242 respectively.

Does this not indicate that the drug menace is serious and is rising, particularly in the Metropolitan area? Would the Minister of State say what action the police are taking about the theft of a quarter of a million purple hearts from the warehouse of British Drug Houses in North Kensington on 22nd July, and whether there is any sign of their catching up with all these drugs floating round London?

During the course of the Adjournment debate yesterday, I drew attention to the need for greater security in those places where drugs are kept. We have recently written to all warehouses and firms which keep drugs, asking them what their security arrangements are, with a view to strengthening them. I regret as much as the hon. Gentleman the theft of these 200,000 purple hearts. The police are doing what they can to find the culprits and recover them. We know that a great many of these drugs are getting into the illicit market through thefts of this kind.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department which interested bodies he has consulted so far about the introduction of safeguards to protect animals bred in Great Britain and exported abroad for research purposes, and with what result.

My right hon. Friend has not yet consulted any outside bodies, but he will in the near future be inviting the views of animal welfare organisations.

Would the hon. Lady bear in mind the really appalling cruelties inflicted on animals which we export to some foreign countries, and will she try very hard to make suitable arrangements with those countries before allowing further exports of animals for research purposes?

I am not quite sure whether the hon. Gentleman is referring to cruelty in transit or to what happens to these animals when they get to the countries where they are going to be used. We have this matter very much in mind and we are having consultations. As I said, we are having an early meeting with the animal welfare organisations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will initiate discussions with Her Majesty's Judges on the subject of cautions to be administered by police officers to persons suspected of having committed criminal offences with a view to amending or abolishing the present Judges' Rules.

Since the Criminal Law Revision Committee is carrying out a review of the law of evidence in criminal cases, consideration of any possible changes in the procedure followed by the police in obtaining evidence should await its report.

Will my hon. and learned Friend bear in mind that the operation of the present Judges' Rules encourages crime by tying the hands of police officers, by protecting the guilty, and by discouraging innocent people from giving information to the police investigating a crime?

It may well be the case that at the moment the law of evidence is too heavily weighted in favour of the criminal, but I think that that is a matter which must be very carefully considered. Obviously it will be considered by the Criminal Law Revision Committee, and I think that we should wait until the Committee reports.

Can the hon. and learned Gentleman tell us when we can expect that Report? Is it within the terms of reference of the Committee to raise the whole question of the right of silence of the accused?

I am not sure when the Committee will be reporting, although it is unlikely that it will be reporting this year. Certainly, it is looking at the admissibility of evidence of confessions, and, although I am not absolutely sure, I think that it is also looking at whether or not the accused must make statements.

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware of the very unsatisfactory reactions amongst the police forces of this country following the issue of a Home Office pamphlet headed, "How to make a Complaint against the Police", which many of them resent deeply and whose resentment I share, having read the pamphlet. Will he arrange to withdraw it?

My hon. Friend's question is going beyond that which is on the Order Paper. The question of complaints has been dealt with and will be dealt with in answer to other Questions.

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman agree that the Judges' Rules, to which the Question refers, are a matter for the judges? Would he not consider inviting the Committee of Judges, which, I understand, advises on these matters, to consider reviewing the Rules, in view of the difficulty that the police are having in implementing them?

The Criminal Law Revision Committee is looking at the question of the admissibility of confessions. The Judges' Rules are intimately tied up with that question, and this is eminently a matter for that Committee.

Will my hon. and learned Friend bear in mind that it is, always has been, and, I hope, always will be a fundamental principle of our law that a man should not be compelled to incriminate himself in any circumstances? If this were only a matter for the judges, the present Rules were made by the judges, and he knows the extent of the dissatisfaction with them on both sides of the House.

We will bear all those considerations in mind when we come to consider the Report of the Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to come to a decision as to whether his Department have a use for the Pinewood Hospital buildings near Wokingham.

My right, hon. Friend has decided to seek the views of the local planning authority on a proposal to use the site for a detention centre.

Does the right hon. Lady realise what what dismay that Answer will be received in my constituency, bearing in mind the close proximity of Broadmoor to these buildings? Will she at least ensure that a decision is taken as soon as possible, the buildings having been empty since January?

We should be quite willing to make a decision as soon as possible, but, as often happens in these cases, it is the objections of the local inhabitants which cause the delays. Every day of the week we get requests from hon. Members on both sides of the House to provide more detention centres, and that is what we want to do.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of regular police officers in England and Wales are coloured; and how this figure compares with coloured people's proportion of the total population there.

There are about 85,000 regular police officers in England and Wales. One coloured officer was attested at Coventry earlier this year and is now serving, and a second will be attested at Birmingham next month. As there are no official population statistics based on colour I cannot answer the second part of this Question.

In view of the fact that between 1 and 2 per cent. of the population of the country are coloured, is not the proportion in the police force rather conspicuous in a body of men which is now responsible for enforcing legislation against racial discrimination?

I do not think that the proportion is necessarily significant, because many of the coloured population are recent arrivals in the country who may not wish to apply. I agree that it is desirable that there should be more coloured applicants to the police coming forward. I am glad to see that more suitable coloured applicants are now coming forward, and, as I said in reply to a Question on 26th May, my right hon. Friend is now taking steps with youth employment officers to encourage more coloured applicants to come forward.

Does the hon. and learned Gentleman accept the statement made by his hon. Friend the Member for Hampstead (Mr. Whitaker) that the coloured population is now between 1 and 2 per cent.? Secondly, why did his right hon. Friend open the flood gates to still further increases——

Order. That does not arise on this Question.

It affects whether the number of police——

Order. The hon. Gentleman must accept my Ruling. It does not arise on this Question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the case, particulars of which have been sent to him, in which canteen accounts in Dartmoor Prison were fraudulently manipulated by a member or members of the staff; what action has been taken; and what position is now held by the prison officer principally concerned.

In February, 1965, an inquiry into irregularities in the inmates' canteen account at Dartmoor Prison revealed a deficit of approximately £135. There was no evidence of fraudulent manipulation by any member of the staff, but the inquiry showed that the staff concerned had not fully complied with departmental accounting procedures and they were suitably warned. The two prison officers involved continue to be employed on duties appropriate to their seniority and experience.

Could my right hon. Friend say what those duties are and where they are being conducted? Would he also consider putting in the Library of the House a transcript of that inquiry, so that one may find out which prisoner was responsible for initiating the inquiry? There seems to be some misunderstanding about that.

One officer is employed as a reception officer, and one is employed on general discipline duties. With regard to the latter part of my hon. Friend's question, I will look at the matter, though I am not sure whether his suggestion would be appropriate. The matter has been fully investigated, and I am sure that it does not call for further disciplinary action on my part.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consult with the police authorities with a view to making regulations on the supply to policemen who need to use cycles of more reflective material either on their uniforms or their cycles so as to minimise the danger to them when cycling in the hours of darkness.

This is a matter for individual police authorities and at present I have no reason to think that regulations are needed. But if my hon. Friend has any additional information to give me, I shall be glad to consider it.

Will my hon. and learned Friend accept that there is a real danger on badly lit roads and country lanes to policemen and other road users, too? Will he watch the experiment currently going on in the Post Office, where they are trying out reflective material, fluorescent armbands, and that sort of thing?

I think that this is certainly a matter which can be considered by the Police Uniform Committee which was recently set up by the Police Advisory Board.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now permit the admission to this country of Mr. John Burley, an Australian former employee of the illegal Smith régime in Rhodesia; and whether he will make a statement.

This is not a straightforward case, but, if Mr. Burley makes an application for an entry certificate, I am willing to give it sympathetic consideration.

Is my hon. Friend aware that his Answer will be met with deep gratification, containing as it does the implication that a mistake was made by the immigration authorities on this occasion?

I should point out that Mr. Burley was refused admittance because he did not have an entry certificate. He had been advised by the British High Commission in Salisbury that it was doubtful whether he would be admitted. In the light of further facts which have come to our attention, we have reached the decision which I have indicated.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to enable returning officers to add information which will give in each case the number of people who did not vote at Parliamentary and local government elections.

Since the number of names on the electoral register is known, it is not difficult for anyone interested to make an approximate calculation for himself; and I am not persuaded of the need for putting any extra obligation on returning officers.

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that it would cost nothing to add this information and to make it available to the whole country in view of the necessity to reach these people who do not appear to accept any responsibility at all, even at election time?

I think that the implication of what my hon. Friend is saying is that he not only wants the number of people who have not voted to be stated, but their names and addresses to be known, and I think that this would be asking a little too much.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to enable him to recover from the owners of lorries with abnormal indivisible loads the cost of the police providing escorts.

I do not think it would be appropriate to attempt to recover actual police costs in these cases, but my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport is studying ways of reducing the nuisance to other road-users caused by loads of exceptional size and width.

Does my hon. and learned Friend think it proper that about £20,000 a year should come from public funds in the Greater London Area as a form of subsidy to the road hauliers? Will he consider this matter again with a view to using this money to provide school crossing patrols, particularly in my constituency?

The question of charging road hauliers fees for particular journeys or special loads is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport. I think that there is some danger in having charges directly related to services as this may lead to pressure to use police resources more for particular customers than for the public as a whole.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give the terms of reference and composition of the Standing Advisory Council on Penal Treatment.

I am glad to be able to inform the House that Mr. Kenneth Younger has accepted my invitation to be Chairman of the Advisory Council on the Penal System. I hope to announce the names of the other members shortly.

"To make recommendations about such matters relating to the prevention of crime and the treatment of offenders as the Home Secretary may from time to time refer to it, or as the Council itself, after consultation with the Home Secretary, may decide to consider."

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he expects this advisory council to start its work?

I hope quite soon. I am sorry that I am not able to announce the full membership before the Recess, but I hope to be able to do so very soon.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will make regulations to ensure that all police forces abandon height restrictions for recruits of 5 ft. 11 in., 5 ft. 10½ in., 5 ft. 10 in., etc., and instead have a standard height restriction of 5 ft. 8 in. so as to help reduce the man power shortage in the police forces of England and Wales.

Most of the forces with a serious manpower problem take men of 5 ft. 8 in. My right hon. Friend proposes to review the matter when he has received the report of the Working Party on Manpower set up by the Police Advisory Board for England and Wales.

I thank my right hon. and learned Friend for that reply, but will he bear in mind that the number of convictions for indictable offences has gone down to only 39·2 per cent., whereas before the war it was more than 50 per cent.? Will he look at the question of bringing the police forces up to full complement as a matter of great urgency?

We are looking at this as a matter of great urgency. This question of height will be considered at the end of the year, and it may be that we shall come to some definite conclusion at that stage.