§ 25. Mr. W. J. Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that prison officers at Brixton Prison have been ordered to occupy official quarters which have now become vacant, although some of them have had to enter into legal obligations in respect of their outside accommodation because of the inability of the Prison Commission to provide them with official quarters at the time of their recruitment; and, since many prison officers will return from the Forces after the war and will be glad of official accommodation, whether he will permit the officers now ordered into official accommodation to remain where they are.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonUnder the prison rules every prison officer is required to occupy such quarters as may be assigned to him, and I am informed that two offi- 843 cers at Brixton Prison have recently been directed to occupy vacant official quarters. The general question raised in the second part of the Question is at present under consideration by the Prison Commissioners in consultation with the Treasury.
§ Mr. BrownMay I ask that while that consideration is being given, these officers may be left undisturbed?
§ Mr. MorrisonNo, Sir; I am afraid not. I think if we depart from the terms of the rules we shall get into difficulties.