§ 8. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent prisons in Jamaica are now overcrowded; and what steps have been taken to remedy this.
§ Mr. LytteltonPrisons in Jamaica are still seriously overcrowded. The Government of Jamaica are providing additional room as rapidly as their financial resources permit. That includes the construction of one new prison for long-term prisoners.
§ Mr. SorensenCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the overcrowding is worse now than it was a year ago? Does he appreciate that the overcrowded nature of these prisons itself helps to incite people to crime?
§ Mr. LytteltonThis matter is certainly causing me anxiety, but during the last 10 years several prisons have been built. The Tamarinds Farm Prison is an open prison for first offenders, and is being extended to take another 90 prisoners. I hope to make some impact on this very serious problem before long.