HC Deb 15 May 1941 vol 371 c1248
20. Mr. Edmund Harvey

asked the Home Secretary whether he has yet been able to take any steps to resume at least a minimum of educational work in prison; and whether he will authorise prison governors, where it is possible, to make some provision of this kind locally, especially for juvenile prisoners, making use of voluntary assistance where it is available?

Mr. H. Morrison

No, Sir. I regret that the intensification of air raids and other war-time difficulties make it impracticable to provide the supervisory staff which would be necessary for the reintroduction of educational facilities in the manner suggested by my hon. Friend.

Mr. Harvey

Would it not be possible to make such arrangements during the summer months at least, and where it would not result in additional strain upon the staffs?

Mr. Morrison

There must be a general decision, and the summer months do not in any way lighten the burdens on the prison staffs. It would mean additional work for the prison staffs in supervision, and as they are already undertaking additional burdens, because of air raids, I am afraid that, with very real regret, I cannot manage it.

Mr. Rhys Davies

In view of the increase in juvenile delinquency, would the right hon. Gentleman consider some training for juvenile prisoners, apart from the others?

Mr. Morrison

That question, I think, might be put down.