HC Deb 11 February 1926 vol 191 cc1214-6
24. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Home Secretary if he can make any statement as to the causes of the recent disturbances in Pentonville Prison, and as to any steps which may have been taken to remedy legitimate causes of grievance?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I have made full inquiry into this matter. The disturbance was caused by the worst section of the prison population, who were annoyed by certain measures properly taken by the acting-governor for the improvement of discipline. It took the form of an outburst of hissing and booing, with some shouting, directed against the acting-governor as he was about to leave the chapel at the conclusion of a service. Two prisoners left their seats; one of these, who was under mental observation, was removed by two officers; the other resumed his seat on being ordered to do so by the acting-governor, who addressed the prisoners. On the conclusion of his address the prisoners left the chapel in silence and good order, and there was no further incident of any kind. I am glad to say no blow was struck by any officer, and the whole incident was over in five or ten minutes. Commendation is due to the acting-governor for his cool and judicious handling of the situation.

Mr. THURTLE

I am much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for the answer. May I ask him if it is not the fact that there are structural defects in this prison which make the treatment of prisoners of the same class different, thereby giving rise to considerable dissatisfaction?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I was not aware of that. It so happens that I inspected this prison myself about two months ago, and my attention was not called to it. If the hon. Member will tell me what he has in mind, I will look into it.

Mr. LANSBURY

The right hon. Gentleman has not been an inmate of that prison. Is it not a fact that this is one of the worst prisons we have in the Metropolis—[HON. MEMBERS: 'How do you know?']—and ought to have been dealt with structurally long ago?

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Is it not true to say that our prisons are not as comfortable as they might be?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

In reply to the hon. Member for Bow and Bromley (Mr. Lansbury), I admit that it is not one of the latest types of prison, but we cannot rebuild all the prisons.

Mr. LANSBURY

It is a rotten hole, anyway.

Mr. H. WILLIAMS

Has the right hon. Gentleman discovered how it was that a grossly exaggerated version of the incident appeared in the Press.

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

No, it is quite impossible for me to be responsible for the Press. It is very mysterious.