HC Deb 03 November 1949 vol 469 c580
31. Mr. Fernyhough

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners in His Majesty's prisons have taken their own lives in the years 1946, 1947, 1948 and to date in 1949.

Mr. Ede

The numbers are seven, four, five and nine, respectively.

Mr. Fernyhough

Can my right hon. Friend give any explanation for the increase in the figures this year? Is it due to harsher treatment, or are the prisoners left completely without hope?

Mr. Ede

It will be seen that the numbers have varied in previous years. I do not think there is any significance to be attached to them.