HC Deb 27 February 1936 vol 309 cc627-8
28. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Home Secretary whether it is in accordance with prison regulations that permission to a prisoner to attend a concert in the prison is made contingent upon his attending church service; and, if this is not the case, will he make it clear to those concerned that no such bar to a prisoner's attendance at a concert should be permitted?

Sir J. SIMON

In no prison is permission to attend a prison concert made contingent on attendance at church service. If the hon. Member has it in mind that sometimes a sacred concert is held on Sunday afternoon in conjunction with a church service, it is in such a case impracticable to separate attendance at the concert from attendance at the service.

Mr. THURTLE

If I furnish the right hon. Gentleman with evidence in my possession that the practice referred to in the first part of the question does obtain, will he consider the desirability of making it clear that it should not?

Sir J. SIMON

I am quite clear that there has been no condition of that sort attached. I have made inquiries, but if the hon. Member has an incident in mind I shall be glad if he will let me have it.

Mr. LOGAN

Will it be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to make arrangements for the hon. Gentleman to go to a service?

Sir PATRICK HANNON

Will my right hon. Friend say whether ample facilities are afforded prisoners to attend church?

Sir J. SIMON

There is every facility, of course, but I should never agree to making this a condition.