HC Deb 13 March 1935 vol 299 cc387-8
47. Mr. MACLEAN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that a claim for £16 by an officer at Perth Prison for lodging allowance and damage to furniture, during the alterations to his quarters, has been entirely refused; that the officer was refused permission to call in the local medical officer of health to see the conditions under which he was living, namely in a three-roomed house with a family of five, and structural alterations taking place in each room; is he satisfied that this officer has been fairly treated; and could the Prisons Department provide alternative accommodation during the alterations?

Sir G. COLLINS

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part no such application was received by the Prisons Department and in any event it would appear to be unnecessary as there is a medical officer resident in the prison. There was no alternative accommodation available for the occupants of quarters undergoing structural improvements; and while I regret the unavoidable inconvenience occasioned, I am satisfied that the circumstances do not justify treating this officer exceptionally in respect of compensation.

Mr. MACLEAN

Surely an officer who has to go outside and pay for additional lodgings while his own place, which belongs to the Government, is being repaired, ought not to be called upon to bear the expense of the alternative accommodation which he has to find?

Sir G. COLLINS

My information is that this officer chose to leave his accommodation, which was being repaired, and went elsewhere. I agree that if he had stayed in his old accommodation he would have been inconvenienced, but I fail to see that it was necessary for him to go while these structural alterations were being undertaken.

Mr. MACLEAN

If the alterations were of such a nature as to cause inconvenience both to the officer and his family to such an extent that they could not reside there, surely the Department ought to find the necessary alternative accommodation for him, or at least pay the amount that he had to pay to secure alternative accommodation?

Sir G. COLLINS

I cannot agree that the accommodation was completely unsuitable. It was certainly inconvenient, but not sufficiently inconvenient as to justify the State in paying him this money.

Mr. MACLEAN

I shall put down another question on this matter.