asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to certain criticisms of the prison and Borstal system contained in a Report on prisons recently issued; and, in view of the nature of the criticisms and the fact that the Committee responsible was unable to obtain evidence from prison officers, if he will appoint a Committee to inquire into the whole of the penal system now in force?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for the Central Division of Portsmouth on the 11th instant.

It will not take the right hon. Gentleman long to say, yes or no, whether a Committee is going to be appointed.

I have nothing to add to what I said on the 11th instant.