§ 21. Mr. Thurtleasked the Home Secretary the latest available figures in his Department showing the religious beliefs of persons serving sentences in His Majesty's prisons; and which of the religious denominations has the largest number of adherents among the prison population?
§ Sir S. HoareThe statements made by individual prisoners on reception as to their religious persuasion are on record at the different prisons, but the figures have not been collected since 1930 when a return was sent to the hon. Member. At that time over 75 per cent. stated that they belong to the Church of England, including the Church in Wales, and there is no reason to suppose that there has since been any substantial variation.
§ Mr. ThurtleWill the right hon. Gentleman draw the attention of the Archbishop of Canterbury to this important fact?