asked the Minister for Justice the proposals, if any, to review the "Rules for the Government of Prisons 1947" and if so, when.

As I indicated on 9 November last in a written reply to a similar question, an examination of the Rules for the Government of Prisons is proceeding with a view to updating them to take account of developments that have occurred in prison administration in this country since those rules first came into operation. As I indicated then, although the rules contain some obsolete provisions it would be misleading to suggest that any particular rule has stood in the way of changes in practice intended for the betterment of the conditions of prisoners as rules that are obsolete are not required to be observed.

Those who criticise the 1947 rules as being archaic are either unaware of the fact that they are interpreted as I have indicated or choose to pretend to be so unaware.

May I ask the Minister to accept that the implication referred to is not in the question. I wished to ascertain if there was a monitoring of the Rules for the Government of Prisons, 1947, which were obviously drafted a considerable length of time ago. When would the Minister be able to indicate that a conclusion to that consideration might be reached?

The information I have available to me is that the rules are being examined at present but it will take some time to complete the examination. It may be that it will not be feasible to revise the 1947 rules until the basic legislation dealing with the whole problem is considered. I could not put a time limit on it.

I had hoped some date would have been forthcoming.