HC Deb 03 July 1924 vol 175 c1482
16. Mr. STRANGER

asked the Home Secretary whether he will grant facilities to enable prisoners who are first offenders to send and receive one letter fortnightly from the time of sentence until discharge?

Mr. HENDERSON

The frequency with which letters are now allowed to prisoners depends on their classification, as stated in the reply to the question on the subject on the 16th April last, and first offenders receive treatment according to the Division in which they have been placed by the Court. I would point out that first offences vary considerably in degree of gravity, and that all first offenders are not entitled to special privileges.

Mr. STRANGER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the minimum time at present is one month, and in the circumstances, in crimes of lesser gravity, will he arrange that the minimum time during which prisoners may receive and send letters is a fortnight instead of one month?

Mr. HENDERSON

I will look into the point.