§ 30. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will relieve the situation in those prisons where prisoners are kept locked in their cells for 17 hours on week-days and 22 on Sundays.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonAs I announced on the 6th May, 1943, in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Romford (Mr. Parker) arrangements came into force in 2104 April of last year for an increase in the hours of duty of prison officers, to enable prisoners to be out of their cells for one hour longer on weekdays. As a result, with the exception of the women's prison at Holloway, prisoners are out of their cells for employment and exercise for a minimum of about 7 hours, 20 minutes from Monday to Friday, 3 hours on Saturday, and 3½ hours on Sunday, for chapel and exercise. These periods are increased in the cases of those prisoners who attend physical training and educational classes in the evening. In addition, substantial numbers of prisoners take their meals in association. I regret that, until it is possible to make a substantial increase in prison staffs, I can hold out no hope of any general improvement on the present position.
§ Mr. DaviesDoes not my right hon. Friend think it is very lowering to keep these people in cells for 22 hours on a Sunday?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe answer I have given does not bear out the statement in the hon. Gentleman's question, but, on the other hand, I agree that the position is not satisfactory. I am afraid it cannot be satisfactory until the staffing position is improved
§ Mr. W. J. BrownCan the Minister tell us what steps he is taking to recruit staff, because the staff position is at the bottom of the whole unsatisfactory position with regard to prisons?
§ Mr. MorrisonWe are dependent upon the man-power situation. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour is doing all he can to help, but undoubtedly there are great difficulties, which will remain until the staff position is improved. Anything I can do to improve the situation, I will do.