§ 40. Mr. V. Yatesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners are now sleeping three in a cell and, of this number, how many are in Manchester, Birmingham, Pentonville, and Wandsworth prisons, respectively.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeOn the night of 2nd-3rd April, 1956, 2,39 prisoners slept three in a cell. Of these, 330 were at Manchester, 219 at Birmingham, 333 at Pentonville and 246 at Wandsworth prisons.
§ Mr. YatesIs it not significant that at these prisons the disturbances have not been unconnected with the fact that the prisoners are sleeping three in a cell? How long is this very unsatisfactory and dangerous condition to be allowed to remain in British prisons?
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeThe hon. Gentleman will observe that the situation is improving. The figure that I have given 386 him is 2,391, whereas the figure last year was 2,866.
§ 41. Mr. V. Yatesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the average earnings per prisoner per week in local prisons today.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeIn the first eight weeks of their sentence prisoners in local prisons may earn 10d. per week. Thereafter, earnings may be on a flat rate or a piece rate. The average amount earned weekly by flat-rate workers is 2s. 6d. and by piece-rate workers about 2s. 9d.
§ Mr. YatesIs that not rather unrealistic these days? Would it not be to the advantage of the country if prisoners, on leaving prison, had money which they had saved while in prison, as is the case in France and Scandinavia? Would it not be a better system, and will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider it.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeI agree with the hon. Member. I regard it as an extremely important matter. I can assure him that I have it very much in mind at the moment.