PRISONERS (READING MATTER).

HC Deb 31 May 1934 vol 290 cc340-2

13. Mr. GROVES

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that Mr. A. H. Ansell, who was recently released on appeal, applied for a book to be issued to him when in the condemned cell, and was provided with a volume of American murder stories the title of which was "The Hanging Judge"; whether such books are usually issued to men under sentence of death; whether he will see that such practice is discontinued; and, further, whether similar works were issued to Ross, who was in the next cell?

Mr. HACKING

On reception Ansell asked to be provided with light reading in the form of detective stories or tales of a similar kind. He was supplied with a bound volume of American magazines containing stories of this kind, but there was no story entitled "The Hanging Judge." Ansell was seen by the Deputy Governor on the first afternoon after his reception, and asked if he would like to change the book. He replied that he would like to keep it, as it was the kind of reading he wanted. A similar book was not issued to Ross. As regards prisoners lying under sentence of death, it is the practice to comply with any reasonable request for literature so far as the resources of the prison library permit.

Mr. GROVES

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Ansell himself has made the statement in print, under his own hand, signed by him, that the book was issued to him in the ordinary way, and was entitled "The Hanging Judge"; and, in view of the fact that the man himself has made this statement, will the right hon. Gentleman make further inquiries?

Mr. HACKING

I have seen the statement made in the Press, and have also seen one of the books in question; and, as far as I can find out, there is no tale in it which is entitled "The Hanging Judge."

Mr. GROVES

It is not the title of a tale, but the title of the whole book. Should not the issue of such books to condemned men be discontinued?

Mr. HACKING

I have seen the books in question. They are American magazines in a bound volume, and I can assure the hon. Member that there was no tale with that title. I think that Ansell must have made some mistake. But, apart from the question of this particular case, it has now been decided that no books of this character shall be allowed to be circulated in prisons.