§ 22. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he can make any statement as to the position of affairs at present in Barlinnie Prison, Glasgow?
§ Sir A. SINCLAIROn 25th April a prisoner in Barlinnie created a disturbance while at work, and this occasioned some unrest amongst certain other prisoners. On 27th April about 100 prisoners placed their names on the list of persons desiring to see the medical officer. A considerable number stated that they had had no complaint to make, but had been induced by threats to put their names down. The remainder made various complaints about their food. As 'a precautionary measure, 16 of the organisers of the agitation were removed to Greenock Prison on the afternoon of 27th April, and on 2nd May eight of these 16 were removed to Perth Prison. The position at all the prisons is at present quiet and normal. The complaints about food 'and other matters are meantime being fully investigated.
§ Mr. BUCHANANWho is conducting this investigation?
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRThe Prisons Department.
§ Mr. BUCHANANAre the local visiting committee taking any action in this matter; and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these men did make efforts to submit to those above them, and to the governor, complaints about the food at an earlier date?
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRIt is true that there was a complaint about the food at an earlier date. There was a breakdown of the apparatus for boiling the potatoes on certain days, and, in particular, as a result of that breakdown the complaint was found to be justified. The governor has ordered the issue of an additional ration to take the place of the potatoes which were found unfit for distribution. The apparatus has since been attended to, and is now working.
§ Mr. MAXTONWill the report of the inquiry into this matter be made available as was the report on the Dartmoor trouble?
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRI am not sure what is the usage in that respect, but I will certainly consider my hon. Friend's suggestion.