HC Deb 21 March 1934 vol 287 cc1207-8
36. Lord SCONE

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that during the renovations now being carried out in warders' houses in Perth Prison several families have to live in one room, without adequate facilities for washing and cooking, while the other rooms are repaired; that quantities of stone-dust penetrate to the rooms in occupation and that the furniture is suffering damage from being stored in the rooms under repair; and whether he will give immediate instructions that suitable temporary accommodation be found forthwith, free of charge, for the families concerned?

Sir G. COLLINS

I regret that certain temporary but unavoidable inconvenience is being experienced by the occupants of four houses at Perth Prison which are now in process of reconstruction, but I am not satisfied that the circumstances are such as to warrant the provision of alternative accommodation. I have asked that the work of reconstruction will be carried through with the utmost expedition.

Lord SCONE

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that it is hardly for the good health of the families concerned that they should have to sleep in rooms which are becoming gradually covered with dust from masonry operations?

Sir G. COLLINS

I regret that certain unavoidable inconvenience must, unfortunately, result from the alterations, but I have given orders this morning for the reconstruction to be pressed on with the utmost possible expedition.

37. Lord SCONE

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that many warders at Perth Prison have to live in houses over 120 years old, dilapidated and damp; that one water-closet has to serve two houses, although there is a family of seven children in one of them, and that nothing is being done to repair or redecorate these houses; and whether he will take immediate steps to have these houses put into a state fit for occupation?

Sir G. COLLINS

As stated in reply to a question by my Noble Friend on 20th February last, I am aware that the condition of some of the warders' houses in Perth Prison is unsatisfactory. A scheme for replacement or reconstruction of the old houses has been steadily proceeding since 1928 under which 16 new houses have been built, three have been modernised and four are at present under reconstruction. The remaining houses will be dealt with as soon as possible. Meanwhile any redecoration that may be necessary will be carried out.