HC Deb 07 August 1924 vol 176 cc3089-90
4. Sir ROBERT NEWMAN

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that unconvicted prisoners in Scotland are allowed to smoke on exercise; and whether he can see his way to permit the same privilege to unconvicted prisoners in England?

Mr. DAVIES

I am aware that arrangements have been made by the Scottish prison administration to allow unconvicted prisoners to smoke. The English Commissioners are considering the matter.

Mr. FOOT

Will the hon. Member represent to the Commissioners that whilst a man is under remand he is presumed to be innocent, and being presumed to be innocent in English law will this concession be made?

Mr. DAVIES

I appreciate that point of view, and will go into it.

Sir R. NEWMAN

Will the hon. Member represent to the Commissioners the fact that a good many of these people who are waiting trial in custody are not sufficiently well off to find bail, and that to deprive them of this privilege, merely because they have not money, is very unjust?

Mr. DAVIES

This is one of the problems to which I am giving personal attention.

Forward to