§ 48. Mr. Yatesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice or assistance the Prison Commissioners give to discharged prisoners who are homeless, and have no fixed abode.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeThe after-care of discharged prisoners is the responsibility of the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Societies and their National Association or, in the case of certain long-term prisoners and prisoners released on licence, of the Central After-Care Association. Both the Societies and the Association pay special attention to the problems of the resettlement of the homeless prisoner. The advice and assistance given naturally varies according to the needs and circumstances of the individual. I shall be glad to draw the attention of the appropriate organisation to any cases the hon. Member may have in mind.
§ Mr. YatesI thank the Minister for that reply. Is he aware of a recent case where a man left Birmingham prison, homeless and without money, and within three days committed another crime in order to get somewhere to rest, and, when asked for how long he wanted to go to prison, said, "Two or three weeks," and the court obliged by giving him one month? In view of the overcrowding in prisons, I wondered if the Minister would do something to see that the present arrangements for assisting prisoners are adequate.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI shall look into that question, but having been connected, like tie hon. Member, with the work of Discharged Prisoners' Aid Societies for 30 years, I have found that they have been most effective. I shall gladly look into any case.
§ Mr. Edward EvansCan the Home Secretary state whether these societies receive any grant from Government funds?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeYes, Sir. I should like notice as to the amount, but they do receive assistance.