HC Deb 01 March 1932 vol 262 cc925-8
10. Mr. McGOVERN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of prisoners at Peterhead; the crimes of which they were found guilty; and the length of sentences?

Sir A. SINCLAIR

As the answer involves statistical information, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

On the 26th February, 1932, there were 126 convicts in Peterhead Prison, the crimes of which they were convicted being as follows:

Crime. No of Convicts.
Murder 4
Attempted Murder 3
Culpable Homicide 7
Assault 6
Incest 14
Unnatural crimes 6
Rape 13
Indecent Assault 1
Lewd, etc., practices 7
Extorting money by threats 1
Housebreaking 32
Assault and robbery 3
Possessing explosives unlawfully 1
Theft 8
Embezzlement 8
Fraud 9
Uttering, etc., false coins 3
Total 126

The sentence of these convicts were as follows:

Penal Servitude. No of Convicts.
3 years 49
4 years 27
5 years 28
6 years 4
7 years 8
8 years 1
10 years 1
12 years 1
14 years 1
15 years 2
Death commuted to penal servitude for life 4
Total 126

In addition to the above 126 convicts, two men are at present undergoing sentences of five years' Preventive Detention in Peterhead—one for theft, fraud, uttering, etc., and one for reset.

14. Mr. BUCHANAN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what part of Duke Street Prison it has been decided to shut down; to what prison the prisoners have been transferred, and if untried prisoners have to be so transferred; if he is aware that a large number of persons are defended from the poor roll, and that if untried prisoners are transferred to a prison further away it may mean that their case will not receive full legal help: and if he will state what persons in Glasgow, if any, were consulted on the matter?

Sir A. SINCLAIR

In the interests of economy it has been decided that, as from the 1st April next male prisoners, whether untried or convicted, should cease to be received into Duke Street Prison, and should be received into Barlinnie Prison instead. There are convenient and rapid means of transit to Barlinnie, and I am satisfied that the change should not prejudice poor prisoners in the matter of legal aid. The change has been the subject of detailed consideration by the Prisons Department for Scotland, after the usual consultations.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is it proposed to provide any extra accommodation at Barlinnie, or is that accommodation to remain the same? Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman propose to transfer any prisoners from Barlinnie?

Sir A. SINCLAIR

There is ample accommodation at Barlinnie.

Mr. BUCHANAN

In view of the fact that the poor people's agents are not being paid for this work, and the fact that it involves the spending of much time, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman receive a deputation from them, and also a deputation from some of the poor prisoners?

Sir A. SINCLAIR

I am satisfied that there is no hardship involved for the poor prisoners at Glasgow. If the hon. Member will compare the conditions in Glasgow with those now prevailing in Edinburgh, he will find that the people in Glasgow, under the new system, will be better off than the people in Edin- burgh. Barlinnie is three miles from the centre of Glasgow, whereas Edinburgh Prison is 3½ miles from the centre of Edinburgh. Consequently, the means of transport proportionately are made rapid and cheaper in Edinburgh than they are in Glasgow.

Mr. BUCHANAN

I beg to give notice that I shall call attention to this matter upon the first opportunity on the Motion for the Adjournment.