HC Deb 13 June 1917 vol 94 cc941-2
61. Mr. E. HARVEY

asked the Home Secretary whether he will take steps to provide opportunities for associated labour in the prisons at Armley and Northallerton; and whether he will take steps to provide fuller opportunities for associated labour in Norwich Prison, where at present associated labour is only allowed for about three or four hours per month?

Sir G. CAVE

Facilities for associated labour exist at these three prisons, and are used to the full extent that the depleted staff at the prisons at the present time allows.

Mr. HARVEY

Has the right hon. Gentleman made inquiries as to whether they really are being made use of at the present time?

Sir G. CAVE

Yes, I understand that to a considerable extent they are being made use of, and in cases where they cannot be used the prisoners are allowed to work in their cells with the doors open.

Mr. HARVEY

When the prisoner works in the cell with the door open ho is not able to look out of the door?

Sir G. CAVE

There is nothing to prevent a prisoner with the cell door open looking out of the door.

Mr. HARVEY

He is ordered to sit with his face from the door.

62. Mr. HARVEY

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that in Norwich Prison tasks are performed on Sundays as well as on week-days except for the time allowed for attendance at chapel even by long-sentence prisoners; and whether such Sunday labour is sanctioned by the prison regulations and enforced in other prisons?

Sir G. CAVE

Prisoners are permitted to work at war stores which are urgently required on Sundays, but such work is entirely voluntary.