HC Deb 17 March 1927 vol 203 cc2170-1
8. Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

asked the Home Secretary whether prisoners in Ms Majesty's prisons are informed that they have the right to complain to the governor of the prison if officers use foul language?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

All prisoners are informed on the cards exhibited in their cells that if they wish to make any request or complaint they can have an interview with the Governor, the Chaplain, or the Medical Officer on any day, or with a member of the Visiting Committee at, his next visit; or with an Inspector of Prisons at his next visit.

9. Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that convict H. Smith, at His Majesty's detention prison, Camp Hill, in August, 1926, charged an officer with the use of foul language and that he was himself subsequently charged with making a false accusation against the officer; what sentence was inflicted upon him; whether, before being sentenced by the visiting justices, Smith had undergone any other punishment; whether he is aware that Smith asked to be allowed to call witnesses to corroborate his charge against the officer; why he was refused per- mission to do so; and whether the officer concerned produced any witnesses to corroborate his denial of the charge of using foul language?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Yes, Sir I am aware of this case. The convict in question was charged on 9th August last with making a false accusation against an officer of the prison. He was brought before the Board of Visitors of the prison at their next meeting on 3rd September, and awarded nine days' close confinement on No. 1 punishment diet, with reduction to the penal grade for one month. He was not otherwise punished in respect of this offence. The Board of Visitors, after hearing his evidence and that of the officer, decided that no further evidence was necessary.

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

How could they decide that no further evidence was necessary if they refused the prisoner the right to call further evidence?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

The Board of Visitors are quite independent of the Home Secretary, rightly so, and I have no authority over their proceedings. This independent body who heard the case came to that conclusion, and I have no means of re-opening the case.