HC Deb 27 February 1941 vol 369 cc611-2
18. Miss Rathbone

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that female non-enemy aliens at Holloway Prison have no communal dining or meeting room, no adequate provision for useful employment, recreation, or exercise and receive dietary prescribed for convicted prisoners, instead of the superior diet provided in internment camps and for prisoners of war, he will expedite the removal of these detainees to an internment camp and, meanwhile, will direct Sir Francis Lindley's advisory committee to give priority of hearing to these women over men in internment camps?

Mr. H. Morrison

I regret that it has not been found possible so far to provide alternative accommodation for the women in question. As regards the last part of the Question, I am most anxious to expedite the hearing of these cases, and I will consider this suggestion in consultation with the Advisory Committee.

Miss Rathbone

Would my right hon. Friend consider whether, if all of the Holloway detainees cannot be removed, the 18B. ones might be removed? That would make it possible to provide fairly decent accommodation for the rest. The facilities are far too poor to provide decent accommodation for them all.

Mr. Morrison

I cannot, I fear, add to the answer given. We are faced with difficulties, but we are doing our best.