§ 29. Mr. MARRIOTTasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the publication in the Press of details concerning the life in gaol, or while under detention at His Majesty's pleasure, of convicted prisoners; if so, by what means such information is obtained; and what steps he proposes to take to put a stop to the communication or publication of such information?
28. Mr. J. JONESasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that reports of interviews with convicted prisoners have appeared in the public Press; and if he is prepared to grant facilities to all convicted prisoners to be interviewed?
§ Mr. SHORTTReports of interviews with convicted prisoners that appear in the Press must not be regarded as necessarily authentic. They sometimes diverge considerably from the truth, and 1026 sometimes are pure inventions. I see no reason at present for any alteration in the rules governing visits.
§ Mr. MARRIOTTWill the Home Secretary be kind enough to answer the intermediate portion of my question, namely, by what, means such information is obtained?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe information is not obtained. It is invented outside.
§ Mr. MARRIOTTDoes the Home Secretary suggest that there were no such communications made—that they were all invented?
§ Mr. SHORTTI have made inquiry. I think I know the particular interview to which my hon. Friend refers, and, so far as I can find out, no such interview took place.
§ Mr. DEVLINIs it not a very good thing that what occurs in the prisons should get out sometimes—information as to how these prisons are conducted?