HC Deb 28 April 1938 vol 335 c293
26. Mr. Day

asked the Home Secretary the number of prisoners who have attempted to escape from convict prisons in Great Britain during the three years ended to the last convenient date; the punishment meted out to these men; and particulars of any corporal punishment inflicted for offences committed in prisons during the same period?

Sir S. Hoare

During the three years ended 31st December, 1936, eight prisoners were punished for attempts to escape from convict prisons in England and Wales. The punishments awarded by the boards of visitors were those authorised by the Statutory Rules, namely, cellular confinement, restricted diet, the forfeiture of privileges, and the forfeiture of remission marks. Corporal punishment can be awarded only in respect of mutiny or incitement to mutiny, or gross personal violence to an officer or servant of the prison. The particulars of corporal punishment inflicted for these classes of offences in prisons are published in the annual reports of the Prison Commissioners.

Mr. Day

Was the evidence given before the inquiry taken on oath?

Sir S. Hoare

The hon. Member had better put that question on the Paper, because I do not quite follow him.