§ 53. Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that during the structural alterations to H quarters at Perth prison at one time doors and windows were re moved and the furniture and food were soiled by dust; and what circumstances warranted the view that the quarters 2044 were fit for human habitation, especially where there were young children, one a child in arms?
§ Sir G. COLLINSDuring the structural alterations referred to doors and windows were removed as necessity required, but due regard was had to the convenience of occupants. As explained in reply to a question flay the hon. Member on the 10th April last, it was because the officer concerned chose to remove his wife and family shortly after operations commenced that the opportunity was taken to expedite the work. The medical officer would have had no objection to the conditions if the wife and family had remained in occupation and the work had proceeded in the normal way.
§ Mr. MACLEANDoes the right hon. Gentleman wish us to believe that a house from which the doors and windows have been taker} is la suitable house in which a warder should live with a wife and children, in the kind of weather which we have; and, if this prison is being reconstructed, will he take steps to see that the warders are either given alternative accommodation or that the repairs are done in such a manner that they do not inconvenience to any harsh degree those who live in the warder's quarters?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI are sure that the attention which the hon. Member has drawn to this principle will bear fruit in future if similar cases occur, but I have no reason to think that the medical officer was not most humane in his outlook.