§ 60. Mr. PETOasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the charge, to the grand jury at Quarter Sessions at Salisbury on the 6th instant, in which the inconvenience, expense, and delay caused by the total closing of Devizes Prison was stated; and whether he will consider the advisability of reopening the prison, at any rate for the accommodation of persons awaiting trial or on remand, and avoid their being sent outside the county boundaries to distant and inaccessible places where it is difficult for them to obtain legal assistance for their defence?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have seen a report of the charge referred to, from which it would appear that the inconvenience commented on by the Chairman of Quarter Sessions was due to bail not being granted in a suitable case and to the prisoner's failing to make application for legal aid until a few days before her trial. It does not appear that this inconvenience would have been avoided if Devizes prison had been available. The prison, which was only used for the reception of prisoners on remand or committed for trial, has been lent to the military authorities for use as a detention barrack to meet the urgent needs of the Army, and in present circumstances I do not think it should be reopened as a civil prison
§ Mr. PETOIs it the right hon. Gentleman's intention to reopen the prison for the purposes for which it was open before the War after it is no longer required for the present purpose?
§ Mr. McKENNAI assume that it will be reopened for its former purposes, but I am unable to answer positively.