§ 42. Mr. HAYESasked the Home Secretary whether, when a prison officer is alleged to have committed a disciplinary offence, he is charged in writing and 1498 allowed to see any statements made against him, including entries made on records or dockets enclosing records; and, if not, will he take steps to see that this is carried out?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe officer is charged in writing, and he is shown the charge and the evidence upon which the charge is based. In my opinion that is all that is necessary.
§ Major HORE-BELISHAIs the prison officer allowed any kind of legal representation before suffering any penalty?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI do not want to give an answer on that point without consideration.
§ Mr. HAYESIn regard to the observations that are made on the dockets, of which apparently the officer is not to have any knowledge, are these observations taken into account in deciding the punishment to be inflicted?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI do not think I could rightly prevent a superior officer writing his opinions on the docket or elsewhere. I think he is quite right.
§ Mr. HAYESWill the right hon. Gentleman examine the Standing Order which says that any charge against an officer shall be brought to his notice before punishment is inflicted?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI will examine the Standing Order. The charge and the evidence on which it is based are brought to his notice, but if the superior officer has any report to make I do not think I am in a position to prevent him doing so.