§ 68. Sir A. KNOXasked the Home Secretary whether he can make a statement as to the recent changes in the recreation of women prisoners at Holloway?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe only recent addition to the recreation of women prisoners at Holloway has been the institution, under supervision, of associated recreation on Sunday evenings for women who have completed 12 months of their sentences with good conduct. During this period they read approved periodicals, play games, listen to suitable gramophone records under the control of the Chaplain, and do special sewing work. This period of association was introduced following the transfer of women convicts from Liverpool and has proved beneficial.
§ Sir A. KNOXIs there any truth in the statement that the warders have been giving these ladies lessons in dancing? Is a hard tennis court being constructed for their benefit?
§ Sir J. GILMOURA hard court, I understand, is provided, or is being provided, solely for the officers of the prison, and not for any of the prisoners. As regards the dances, I understand that this is no innovation. There have been certain classes for folk dances instituted—it has been of long-standing now—in some of these prisons.
§ Sir W. DAVISONWhat is the name of this recreation centre, and what are the conditions of admission?