HC Deb 20 July 1950 vol 477 cc2468-9
43. Earl Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the aggregate amount of new accommodation provided in the various penal establishments of Great Britain for married and single officers of the prison service since 1st January, 1949.

Mr. Ede

During the period 1st January, 1949, to 1st July, 1950, 249 additional married officers' quarters were provided. Bachelor accommodation either by new building or the conversion of existing buildings was completed for 367 officers.

Earl Winterton

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that the state of affairs—which can only be described as scandalous—in the not very remote past, where warders had actually to sleep in prison cells, has now been remedied, and that there is sufficient accommodation for both married and single warders?

Mr. Ede

No, Sir. Accommodation is not yet sufficient, but I am doing all that is possible, within the allocation of materials and labour, to remedy the situation.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Can the right hon. Gentleman clarify the point and say whether the figures he has given refer to Great Britain or to England and Wales?

Mr. Ede

I think they refer to England and Wales, but I will let the hon. and gallant Member know.