§ 70. Mr. GROVESasked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the value socially and morally of short-term prisoners taking meals commonly together in a mess room instead of in separate cells?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSSome prisoners in the Star Class and the Second Division are at present associated at dinner and the number so treated is being increased, but careful discrimination is necessary in this matter.
§ 71. Mr. GROVESalso asked the Home Secretary if he has considered the probable value of allowing short-sentence prisoners the right to smoke during exercise periods, or whether such privilege will be extended to those prisoners whose conduct has been so good that they are placed on their honour?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe question has been considered, but the proposed concession is not thought desirable.
§ Mr. GROVESIs the right hon. Gentle man not aware of certain small concessions which have been granted in prisons, and which have proved absolutely efficacious, such as granting prisoners the right to shave or wash when they like, and does he not think it would be a real benefit to grant the right to smoke, and that it would ultimately do good?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThat is quite different. After all, washing and shaving may be considered necessities in prisons, but not smoking.