§ 56. Captain CAZALETasked the Home Secretary whether, seeing that no prisoner in His Majesty's prisons is allowed to read any book of religion other than the Bible, save those admitted by the representative of the denomination under which he is classified on entry, he will see that, inasmuch as religion is the best reformative agent, prisoners are accorded the freedom of access to any religious books which have been admitted to the library by the governor and not only books of the denomination under which they are classified?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSPrisoners have two classes of books, namely, various religious books according to their denomination that are always in their cell, and library books that are taken out of the library from time to time. I know of no ground for complaint on the score suggested by the question, but if my hon. and gallant Friend has any special case in mind, and will let me know, I will have it looked into.
§ Captain CAZALETIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the regulations governing the matter were made 30 years ago, and that the whole spirit concerning prisons has changed since then, and will he consider altering the regulations?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSreally do not think there is anything wrong. Prisoners may have certain books in their cells, according to their religion, and they are entitled to get from the library any book they like.
§ Captain CAZALETIf I bring complaints of prisoners to the right hon. Gentleman's notice, will he consider them?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThat is exactly what I said in the last part of my answer. I shall be only too glad.