§ 54. Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the number of youthful prisoners between the ages of fifteen and nineteen in the prisons of England, Scotland, and Ireland; and whether, with a view of saving from criminal courses the rising generation, he will either initiate legislation, or take other steps, to secure 1466 that this youthful material shall, as far as possible, be available in the present national emergency?
§ Sir J. SIMONIn the Borstal Institutions of Great Britain, where youths are received under sentences of one to three years, steps have been taken since the beginning of the War to release for enlistment selected prisoners who had profited by the training of the Institution, which includes drill and gymnastics, and who appeared likely to make good soldiers. The result of the experiment has been most satisfactory; a large number have been released and have enlisted, and in the great majority of cases good reports have been received of the conduct of the lads in the fighting services both at home and abroad. It is not possible to take similar steps in the local prisons, as in the large majority of cases the sentences are too short to allow of similar training; but the services of those who are received have been utilised in the manufacture of war stores. I may add that the number of young prisoners shows a very great reduction since the beginning of the War.
§ Mr. KINGDoes it refer also to Scotland and Ireland, which are mentioned in my question, but which are not under the province of the right hon. Gentleman?
§ Sir J. SIMONYes, my answer refers to Scotland as well as to England and Wales. It does not refer to Ireland, to which a question would have to be addressed to the Chief Secretary.
§ Mr. KINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the youthful prison population in Scotland is out of all proportion compared with what it is in England and Ireland?