§ 9. Mr. Maxtonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the hours of labour for prisoners in Scottish prisons have been increased in recent months; and what are the reasons for this step?
§ Mr. ElliotDuring the past two years the hours of labour of prisoners have been increased at Barlinnie prison from 5½ hours to 6 hours 5 minutes daily, and at Edinburgh prison from 6 hours to 7½ hours daily, thus making them 34 and 41 hours per week respectively. I understand that this was done in the interests of the prisoners themselves.
§ Mr. MaxtonWill the right hon. Gentleman explain in what way the interests of the prisoners are advanced by additional hours on very arduous and uninteresting labour?
§ Mr. ElliotIf I were in prison, I must say that I would prefer to be engaged in something for at least 6 hours 5 minutes daily. Indeed, a little longer than that might well be in my own interest.
§ Mr. MaxtonWill the right hon. Gentleman take it from me that that is not the case?
§ Mr. ThorneAre the extra hours in the morning, and, if so, is there someone to call the prisoners?