HC Deb 14 October 1943 vol 392 cc1035-6
26. Mr. W. Brown

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that officers at Dartmoor prison are being compelled to occupy official quarters that were condemned years ago and that, in some cases, officers and their families have to descend two flights of stair-4 in order to avail themselves of lavatory facilities; and what steps he proposes to take in this matter?

Mr. H. Morrison

Though the quarters in question are inconvenient by modern standards, it is misleading to describe them as condemned. Under present conditions it is not possible to reconstruct them or to replace them by modern houses, but such work as is practicable to improve them has been done.

Mr. Brown

If it be the case that, unsatisfactory as these premises may be, we are compelled, by the exigencies of the case, to use them, will the Home Secretary consider reducing the normal period of time during which these officers have to remain there?

Mr. Morrison

I will certainly consider that point, in so far as it is possible to do so, but the present staffing problem is one of very great difficulties. I am not unsympathetic about it. I am not particularly proud of these habitations, but we are bang up against a difficulty of labour.