HC Deb 23 June 1938 vol 337 c1248
35. Mr. Benson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the approximate number of picture books available for feeble-minded prisoners in local prisons and in convict prisons, respectively; and whether such prisoners are deprived, by prison regulations, of these picture books when in the punishment cells?

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir Samuel Hoare)

There are 865 picture books in local prisons and 65 in convict prisons available for such prisoners; these numbers are exclusive of illustrated periodicals. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Mr. Benson

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that prison is a proper place for the feeble-minded or the mental defective?

Sir S. Hoare

That is a very general question on a totally different aspect to deal with by way of a supplementary answer.

Mr. Benson

Does the right hon. Gentleman contemplate that some steps will be taken to eliminate feeble-minded people from prison?