§ 22. Mr. Thurtleasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the comment made by a London coroner recently on the unsatisfactory nature of the present type of van used for the conveyance of prisoners; and whether he will take steps to see that when new vans are provided they are of a more commodious type?
§ Sir S. HoareThe main objection arises from the provision of separate compartments for each prisoner, and the scheme of separate compartments was adopted because of the obvious risk of association. 2090 Any increase in the space provided for each person, consistently with reasonable economy, would involve technical difficulties, but the matter will be borne in mind when any vans are due for replacement. Meanwhile, steps are being taken to improve the lighting and ventilation of the present vans.
§ Mr. ThurtleIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that if any man is slightly over average height he cannot sit down in the van, except in a very cramped position?
§ Sir S. HoareNo, Sir. I think that is an exaggeration. I am informed that the knee space is somewhat bigger in these vans than in a London bus.
§ Mr. ThurtleWill the right hon. Gentleman invite his colleague, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour, to sit in one of these vans?