24. Mr. David Adamsasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the numerous cases of escapes from prison lately; and will he consider whether changes are called for in the composition of the Prison Commission?
§ Mr. PeakeAs regards the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given yesterday to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth (Sir L. Lyle). As regards the second part of the Question, there is no justification for the suggestion that any changes are called for in the Prison Commissioners, in whom my right hon. Friend has full confidence.
Mr. AdamsIs it not a fact that there is an insufficiency of personnel in many of the prisons at present, which is the cause of the escapes, and that therefore the Prison Commissioners should be strengthened in some way?
§ Mr. PeakeNo, Sir. If the hon. Member will refer to the answer given yesterday, he will see that the increase in the number of attempted escapes is not due to any shortage of staff.
Mr. DavidsonHas the hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the fact that an escape was assisted by cars left by careless owners in full running order?