§ 24. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Home Secretary what clothing is issued to long-term prisoners on discharge; and whether men released in winter time are given overcoats?
§ Mr. CLYNESOvercoats are only issued when there are special medical considerations; but in the winter months governors are authorised to supply cardigan jackets. I am sending my hon.
§ Mr. MARJORIBANKSCan I have an answer to my question?
§ Mr. LAWSONThe hon. Gentleman is asking me off-hand for a legal opinion.
§ Mr. MARJORIBANKSWill the hon. Gentleman get the legal opinion?
§ Following are the figures:
§ and gallant Friend a schedule of the clothes supplied to convicts on discharge.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWould my right hon. Friend have this matter investigated, in view of the fact that after long terms old men are sometimes discharged in the winter without sufficient covering?
§ Mr. CLYNESAge and health are taken into account, and I regret that coats have sometimes been pawned after having been supplied.
§ Mr. KINLEYIs my right hon. Friend aware that only recently persons who had served long terms were released at short notice in cold weather without overcoats and with practically no money, and that these individuals have no means of meeting their shortcomings once they are released? Will he go further into the matter and see that these persons are discharged fit to face the world?
§ Mr. CLYNESI shall be glad to have information of the cases referred to. No doubt that information would help me in dealing with the general question.
§ Captain PETER MACDONALDAre there not organisations and societies which deal with discharged prisoners?