HC Deb 13 November 1934 vol 293 cc1748-50
21. Mr. KIRKWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many prisoners can be lodged in the Glasgow Prison, Duke Street, Glasgow; how many prisoners are there at the present time; and what is the highest number that has been there at any time during the past year?

The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)

Duke Street Prison, Glasgow, has cell accommodation for 563 prisoners—159 males and 404 females. The number in custody at the present time is 100–8 males and 92 females; and the highest number at any time during the past year has been 129–14 males and 115 females.

22. Mr. KIRKWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total cost of keeping the prisoners and maintaining the establishment of the prison at Duke Street, Glasgow; the total cost per prisoner actually detained; and whether he will consider making arrangements for the detention of the prisoners elsewhere so as to admit of the disposal of the prison building, and thereby effect a great city improvement in Glasgow?

Sir G. COLLINS

The gross cost of keeping the prisoners and maintaining the establishment of the prison at Duke Street, Glasgow, in the calendar year 1933 was £8,211, and the cost per prisoner just over £82 per annum. The possibility of making other arrangements for the detention of prisoners presently accommodated in Duke Street Prison is being constantly kept in view, but a suitable property has not yet been found.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Seeing that there are only, on an average, 129 prisoners in Duke Street Gaol while there is accommodation for well nigh a thousand, will not the right hon. Gentleman co-operate with the Glasgow Town Council with a view to having this blot on the landscape removed?

Sir G. COLLINS

As I mentioned in the reply to the question of the hon. Gentleman, we are keeping the matter constantly in mind and endeavouring to get other suitable accommodation, but unfortunately suitable other accommodation has not yet been found.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Surely there is plenty of suitable accommodation in Scotland for a prison other than right in the centre of the city of Glasgow?

Sir G. COLLINS

As my hon. Friend knows, we must get accommodation fairly near to the places where the prisoners are sentenced.