§ MR. PICKERSGILLI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Homo Department whether it is correctly reported that he proposes to convert the local prison at Aylesbury into a convict prison; if so, why is an additional convict prison required; has there been an increase in the total number of convicts in England; what will be the cost (if any) of converting the prison to its new purpose; and will the prison be appropriated to any particular class of convicts?
§ MR. MATTHEWSYes, Sir; it is the fact, that Aylesbury Prison has been closed as a local prison, in order that it may be converted into a convict prison in lieu of Woking Prison, which has been handed over to the War Department. It will not, therefore, be an additional convict prison. There has been no increase, but a decrease in the total number of convicts in England, and it is thus possible to give up the larger prison at Woking. The estimated cost of the necessary alterations is £16,500. It will be for female convicts.
§ MR. BRUNNER (Cheshire, Northwich)Is Woking to be used as a military prison?
§ MR. MATTHEWSNo; as barracks.