§ MR. WATT (Glasgow College)I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland, whether he is aware that the maximum number of prisoners for whom accommodation is provided in Barlinnie Prison, Glasgow, is 1,034; that on July 3rd there were no fewer than 1,100 prisoners in that prison, some of whom had been sent there to serve sentences for overcrowding, and that a number or them were placed together, three in a cell, of less than 1,000 feet capacity; and will he say how this accommodation compares with 1348 the minimum air space per adult insisted on by the Glasgow Coloration in the worst class of ticketed houses.
§ MR. SINCLAIRThe accommodation at Barlinnie is very slightly above the number given by the hon. Member, and a few of the cells have a cubic capacity of 1,784 feet. The situation referred to existed for one night, and fifty prisoners were transferred to Perth on the following day. I am aware that there is a deficiency of prison accommodation in the Glasgow district of the country, and steps are being taken to increase it. In the meantime transfer of prisoners are made as quickly as can be arranged. Already during the present month 150 prisoners have been moved from Barlinnie prison. I have not been able to ascertain the regulations of the Glasgow Corporation about ticketed houses.