HC Deb 28 February 1946 vol 419 cc2090-2
27. Mr. Astor

asked the Secretary at State for the Home Department in how many cases men imprisoned for ordinary crimes are forced to associate in prison with men convicted of homosexual crimes; and whether he will take immediate steps to alter these conditions.

Mr. Ede

While there are obvious objections to the association of prisoners convicted of homosexual offences with other prisoners, there are equally strong objections to the special segregation, or special association together, of prisoners convicted of such offences. The system of classification of prisoners is designed to keep apart, as far as possible, those prisoners who have not previously been convicted of serious crime from those who have been so convicted or who are habitually criminal or of corrupt habits. Persons convicted of homosexual offences, like other offenders, are classified in accordance with this general principle, and account is taken in every case of the age, character and previous history of the prisoner.

Mr. Astor

Would the Minister institute an inquiry into one or two prisons, if I were to supply him with evidence that there has been a great deal of mixing up of prisoners—old lags with first offenders and prisoners in other categories?

Mr. Ede

Certainly, Sir. 1 always welcome any representations which any Member may desire to make to me on this point. I am anxious, as soon as staff conditions permit, to improve the classification of prisoners in this country.

28. Mr. Astor

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many cases men sent to civilian prisons for strictly military offences are put in with habitual civilian criminals; and whether he will take steps to alleviate these conditions.

Mr. Ede

The majority of the soldiers who, when sentenced for strictly military offences, are sent to civilian prisons, have no previous convictions of serious crime, and accordingly they are associated with the star class of civilian prisoners. Those who have previous convictions of serious crime are associated with civilian prisoners who have similar records.

Mr. Astor

Is the Minister aware that a number of soldiers in prison are having to associate with habitual criminals? I can produce evidence of this.

Mr. Ede

I am willing to consider any evidence which the hon, Member may submit to me. I desire that military prisoners who have not previously been convicted should associate in prison with people who have similar records.