HC Deb 31 March 1936 vol 310 cc1804-5
18. Mr. LOVAT-FRASER

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the declining need for Duke Street Prison in Glasgow, he will consider the desirability of pulling it down and replacing it with gardens or other amenities?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Dumbarton Burghs (Mr. Kirkwood) to a somewhat similar question on the 17th instant, to which there is nothing to add, except that inquiries are being actively pursued for a site for a prison to replace that at Duke Street, Glasgow.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Before the hon. and gallant Member makes any decision on this matter, will he take into consideration the present system of dealing with untried prisoners at Barlinnie who have been transferred from Duke Street, and will he see that untried prisoners have reasonable access to lawyers and other means of advice?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

I will take into consideration the suggestion of the hon. Member.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

The Minister has given practically the same reply that was given to me four years ago, when I put a question to the right hon. Member for Caithness and Sutherland (Sir A. Sinclair) when he was Secretary of State for Scotland. They have made no progress.

Mr. SPEAKER

In that case both answers appear to have been the right ones.