HC Deb 03 February 1944 vol 396 cc1391-2
40. Mr. Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can give any information in connection with the escape of 11 prisoners from the County of London Sessions at Newington Butts; and what action he intends taking about the matter.

Mr. H. Morrison

This escape was made possible by the insecure condition of part of the County of London Sessions House due to enemy action, and steps have now been taken to remedy the defects. A contributory cause was the fact that one of the Prison Officers was absent for a short time in attendance on a sick prisoner. The question of the supervision of the prisoners is being investigated by the Prison Commissioners.

Mr. Thorne

Is my right hon. Friend aware that since I put down this Question I have had a number of postcards asking why I should bother my brains about the escaped prisoners?