HC Deb 20 April 1937 vol 322 cc1566-7
20. Mr. Maxton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many prisoners are undergoing periods of preventive detention in Scottish prisons?

Mr. Elliot

There are no prisoners undergoing preventive detention in Scottish prisons.

Mr. MacLaren

Why not?

Mr. Maxton

Has this legislation now become a dead letter?

Mr. Elliot

No, Sir.

21. Mr. Maxton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why prisoners undergoing sentence in Edinburgh prison are compelled to work longer hours than those in the prison of Glasgow?

Mr. Elliot

The hours worked in Edinburgh prison are not regarded as excessive looking to the interests of the prisoners themselves. Steps are to be taken in the near future to introduce a working day of similar length at Barlinnie as part of a scheme of improvement of conditions generally.

Mr. Maxton

Is there any truth in the public stow that these additional hours are due to the larger number of orders which have to be overtaken by the prison?

Mr. Elliot

I think not.

Mr. McGovern

Is any allowance made by the Trades Union Council with a view to getting an eight-hour day?