74. Mr. EDMUND HARVEYasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the value attributed by the governor of Portland Prison to the effects of the progressive stage system in promoting good conduct and industry, and relieving the oppression and discontent which was formerly noticeable as the result of a long and monotonous sentence unrelieved by change of treatment; and whether, in view of this fact, steps will be taken by the Prison Commissioners to introduce any similar system into ordinary prisons, especially in the case of prisoners sentenced to one or two years' hard labour?
§ Sir G. CAVEThere is already in force in local prisons a progressive stage system which covers the first four months of the sentence. It is not carried further because 1368 of the shortness of the sentences, the average sentence being less than six weeks. Less than 1 per cent. of the prisoners are detained for more than twelve months, and in those cases the monotony of the sentence is varied for those whose conduct is good by the employment assigned to them, by relief from supervision, and in other ways.
Mr. HARVEYWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the carrying of the system further in the case of one- and two-year sentences, since, although they may not be numerous, the matter is a very serious thing for the prisoners?
Sir G.CAVEAs I have stated in my answer, some alienation is already given in these cases, and I do not think it is necessary to go further.