HC Deb 25 June 1917 vol 95 cc17-8
28. Mr. EDMUND HARVEY

asked the Home Secretary whether the arrangements in force at Norwich Prison, by which the shifts of prisoners who are employed to work the indoor pumps are not allowed opportunities for exercise in the open air except on Saturdays and Sundays, may be modified so as to allow all such prisoners to have the same facilities for exercise in the fresh air as other prisoners?

Sir G. CAVE

The prisoners employed on the pumps receive exercise daily in the open air, weather permitting.

29. Mr. HARVEY

asked the Home Secretary whether a principal object of associated labour in prisons is to provide some opportunity of human association to prisoners and to prevent the mental strain of prolonged cellular confinement; whether he is aware that where associated labour is not provided, the only substitute is to allow prisoners to work for a limited time with their cell doors open, but in such a way that they cannot see or communicate with fellow prisoners; and whether this arrangement is regarded by prison doctors as equivalent in value to associated labour?

Sir G. CAVE

I am afraid I cannot, within the limits of question and answer, discuss the reasons for associated labour in prison and the conditions in which it can be carried on. The general rule is that after twenty-eight days' confinement all prisoners should work for most of the working day in workshops. Where this is not possible the ordinary substitute is associated work in halls or corridors. Only in exceptional circumstances and for short periods is recourse had to work in cells with open doors. The last alternative is. not adopted on medical grounds, but there is ample medical evidence that it is not in any way harmful to the prisoners.

30. Mr. HARVEY

asked the Home Secretary whether any opportunities for associated labour are provided in Leicester Prison?

Sir G. CAVE

The regular arrangement is that prisoners at this prison should work in association in the corridors, but sometimes owing to shortage of staff it is necessary to let them work in their cells with the doors open.