§ 33. Mr. MAXTONasked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, if he will give consideration to the establishment of a first division in Scottish prisons, in which prisoners for certain offences would receive the same treatment as similar offenders in English prisons; and if he 2575 will proceed to revise the dietary of all prisoners?
§ Sir J. BAIRDThe suggestion contained in the first part of the question has frequently been considered, but it is not thought desirable to introduce such a differentiation of treatment between classes of prisoners as is suggested by the hon. Member. Diets have been recently revised, and are subject to constant revision under the existing rules.
§ Mr. MAXTONIs it not the case that such differentiation exists, but is in the hands of the Prison Commissioners in Scotland, who have neither legal nor judicial experience, whereas in England the differentiation rests in the discretion of the Judge on the Bench?
§ Sir J. BAIRDI would rather not answer that question without notice.