§ 37. Mr. R. W. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the overcrowding of prisons in Jamaica; and what steps are being taken to deal with this matter.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe Government of Jamaica have sought to relieve overcrowding by the construction of additional buildings in the existing prisons and of a new "open" prison for 200 first offenders. I am asking the Governor for a report on the position and I will write to the hon. Member when I receive it.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that meanwhile overcrowding amounts in some instances to 50, 60 and sometimes 70 per cent. above what the numbers should be, and is he giving further advice with a view to relieving this serious state of affairs?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWe very much hope that overcrowding will diminish partly through the provision of new facilities and partly through the decline in the amount of crime.