HC Deb 23 February 1933 vol 274 cc1886-7
28. Captain MACDONALD

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make a statement regarding the recent occurrences at Winchester and Parkhurst Prisons?

Sir J. GILMOUR

There has been no occurrence at either of these prisons calling for special notice. My hon. and gallant Friend no doubt has in mind a report which appeared in a Sunday newspaper on the 19th instant of an alleged attack with razor blades on prison officers by two convicts at Winchester Prison and an attack on a hospital officer at Parkhurst. So far as Winchester Prison is concerned, the report is entirely untrue. As regards Parkhurst, the report proves on inquiry to relate to a prisoner who had been certified insane and was awaiting removal to an asylum. I had occasion on Monday last to deny a report which had appeared in a previous issue of the same newspaper regarding an alleged disturbance at Wandsworth, and I hope that those responsible for its publication will take due notice of my reply to this question.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Has the right hon. Gentleman any objection to giving the House the name of the newspaper?

Sir J. GILMOUR

It was the "Sunday Dispatch."