§ 35. Mr. C. Howellasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners are held in Winson Green Gaol, Birmingham, and what is the normal capacity of the gaol; how many of these prisoners resided, prior to conviction, within the City of Birmingham; how many prisoners, who were convicted at Birmingham, have been transferred to other prisons during the past five years; and how many of these have been returned to Winson Green, subsequently.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Minister for Welsh Affairs (Major Gwilym Lloyd-George)On 29th May, 1956, there were 509 male 1268 prisoners in Birmingham Prison and 73 female. Under normal conditions the prison has in all accommodation for 520 men and 148 women, of whom 397 men and 113 women can be accommodated in ordinary accommodation as distinct from special accommodation such as hospital wards, etc. I regret that the other information requested is not available.
§ Mr. HowellWould the right hon. and gallant Gentleman explain to the House what factors are taken into consideration before convicted prisoners are put on the transfer list? Does he not agree that it increases the punishment of convicted persons if they are taken so far away from the area in which they are convicted. as they are then not able to have the facilities for visits as they would have if they were taken to a prison nearer to their own homes?
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeI can assure the hon. Member that I have every sympathy with the point which he has just expressed. It is difficult, I know, but under existing circumstances we are compelled to move people to avoid gross overcrowding.