§ 19. Mr. SNOWDENasked the Home Secretary if he will have an inquiry made into the allegations about the condition of the prison at Ipswich; whether prisoners are only allowed half-an-ounce of soap a week; whether with this they have to wash themselves and scrub down their bed boards, cell table, stool, and other utensils for a week; whether he will inquire into the allegations that the underclothing supplied to the prisoners is never properly washed; and whether the practice of handing out underclothing 1225 indiscriminately will be discontinued and the prisoners allowed to use the same underclothing during their term of imprisonment?
§ Sir G. CAVENo allegations have been received as to the condition of the prison at Ipswich. Prisoners are allowed ¾ oz. of soap for personal use, and up to 4 ozs. for all purposes, including the washing of cell articles. No allegation that underclothing is not properly washed has been received. In the case of short-sentence prisoners, whose number and distribution constantly vary, it is impossible to ensure that the same garments shall toe worn by a prisoner throughout his sentence, but care is taken to prevent any injurious results.