§ 11. Mr. Anthony Greenwoodasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is his intention to modernise the inadequate sanitation of the prisons.
§ Mr. EdeAlthough the prisons in England and Wales are overcrowded, I do not accept the implication that the sanitary facilities in the prisons are in general 553 inadequate for health and hygiene. The existing facilities are being steadily brought up to modern standards, where necessary, but no radical change in the type of facilities provided is contemplated.
§ Mr. GreenwoodWould my right hon. Friend look especially at places where it is well-known that overcrowding exists at present, to see whether special action can be taken there?
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonTo verify the accuracy of representations I have made to my right hon. Friend on the subject previously, will he go to Brixton Prison, where I am sure he will be warmly welcomed?
§ 12. Mr. Anthony Greenwoodasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to provide adequate facilities for ablution in the prisons.
§ Mr. EdeThe ablution facilities in the prisons in England and Wales are not ideal, but can hardly be described as inadequate. Each prisoner has a water jug and wash basin in his cell, with soap, brush, and towel; he is allowed to have a hot bath, weekly, and the arrangements for washing in the workshops are being steadily improved.