andMr. Barry asked the Minister for Justice if he will state in respect of each of the commissions and interdepartmental committees referred to in a reply of 1st March (1) the purpose for which it was set up and (2) when it is expected that it will issue a final report.
Written Answers. - Commissions and Committees.
150.
The answers to the questions in respect of each of the five Commissions and Committees referred to in my reply of 1st March, 1965 are as follows:—
Landlord and Tenant Commission.
The purpose of this Commission, which was set up on 12th January, 1966, are
(a) to enquire into the working of the law relating to Landlord and Tenant (other than the Rent Restrictions Act, 1960) and to recommend such amendments, if any, in the law as the Commission thinks proper,
(b) to furnish an interim report on the provisions relating to the grant of new tenancies under Part III of the Landlord and Tenant Act, 1931, and on any other aspects of the law which in the opinion of the Commission should be given priority.
No indication can be given as to when a final report may be expected.
Committee on Court Practice and Procedure.
The purpose of this Committee, which was set up on 13th April, 1962, are:— (a) to enquire into the operation of the courts and to consider whether the cost of litigation could be reduced and the convenience of the public and the efficient despatch of civil and criminal business more effectively secured by amending the law in relation to the jurisdiction of the various courts and by making changes, by legislation or otherwise, in practice and procedure, (b) to consider whether, and if so to what extent, the existing right to jury trial in civil actions should be abolished or modified, and (c) to make interim reports on any matter or matters arising out of the committee's terms of reference as may from time to time appear to the committee to merit immediate attention or to warrant separate treatment.
The Committee have made 4 Interim Reports to date and the intention is that they will make Reports from time to time according as they reach conclusions.
Bankruptcy Law Committee.
The purposes of this Committee, which was set up on 23rd August, 1962, are to consider and report on the law and practice concerning bank-ruptcy, the administration of insolvent estates of deceased persons and matters relating thereto; and to recommend the legislation that, in the Committee's opinion, is necessary and desirable to consolidate and amend the law.
No firm indication can be given as to when the Report may be made but it is expected within two years.
Interdepartmental Committee on the Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Offenders.
The purposes of the Committee which was set up in September, 1962, are to enquire into the present methods for the prevention of crime and the treatment of offenders, giving attention, in particular, to the following matters:
(a) Juvenile delinquency
(b) The Probation system
(c) The Institutional treatment of Offenders, and their after care, and to recommend any practicable and desirable changes in law and practice.
The Committee makes recommendations to the Minister from time to time as it reaches conclusions on particular matters, and implementation of these recommendations is undertaken as the Minister's approval is obtained. The work is of a continuing nature.
Interdepartmental Committee to consider Road Traffic Law Enforcement.
The purposes of this Committee, which was set up in September, 1965, are to co-ordinate the views of the Departments concerned with the promotion and enforcement of the road traffic code and to act as a clearing house for ideas and suggestions as to improvements. The Committee is a standing Committee and the question of a final report does not arise.
151.
andMr. Barry asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state in respect of each of the commissions and interdepartmental committees referred to in a reply of 1st March (1) the purpose for which it was set up and (2) when it is expected that it will issue a final report.
As stated in the reply to the question on 1st March, there are no commissions or interdepartmental committees appointed by me sitting at the present time.