HC Deb 11 February 1930 vol 235 cc197-8
13. Mr. BUCHANAN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the charge made for the maintaining of a civil prisoner in a Glasgow prison; when this charge was fixed; and who fixes such a charge?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Johnston)

The charges for the aliment of a civil prisoner in a Scottish prison are 6d., 7d., or fid. a day according to the dietary rate to which the prisoner is entitled. These charges, which cover only the cost of food, are fixed by the Prisons Department for Scotland. The charges were last fixed on 22nd December, 1923.

Mr. BUCHANAN

In view of the fact that this charge cannot meet the cost and that most people can afford to pay more, will not the hon. Gentleman consider revising the whole scale of charges?

Mr. JOHNSTON

We are advised that legislation would be required on that matter.

Mr. BUCHANAN

In view of the fact that the scale was revised in 1923 without legislation, how is it that in 1930 it needs legislation?

Mr. JOHNSTON

The advice which I have received here is that legislation would be required to enable the Department to charge the full cost of maintenance.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in 1923 it was revised, and can he not now increase the charge? How is it that in 1930 this cannot be done when it was done by the Tories in 1923?

Mr. JOHNSTON

I cannot say what happened in 1923, but I will have the matter inquired into further.