HC Deb 14 June 1956 vol 554 cc746-7
23. Mrs. Braddock

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the ages of the 10 prisoners who have been certified as mental and moved from Walton Prison. Liverpool, since January, 1956, to date what term of imprisonment they were serving on what dates they were sentenced and whether during the court proceedings in each case there was any indication of mental disorder.

Major Lloyd-George

In the short time available, I have not been able to obtain all this information. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as my inquiries have been completed.

Mrs. Braddock

I thank the Home Secretary for that reply, but in view of the fact that the figures he gave last week are really startling and have caused great worry to the relatives of the prisoners concerned, is that not a further indication that a full inquiry is needed into what has been happening at Walton Prison? Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman give an assurance that, in addition to collecting the information, he will also seriously consider the question of holding a full inquiry?

Major Lloyd-George

I think I informed the hon. Lady that I am looking into this matter myself. On the results of that will depend what further action is needed. One difficulty I have which will take time is the information asked for in the latter part of the Question.

Mr. J. T. Price

Whilst the Home Secretary is giving consideration to the subject matter of the Question, will he also consider the conditions under which refractory prisoners in remand homes and Borstal institutions are being certified as mentally deficient under the Mental Deficiency Acts and what protection those prisoners have under prison regulations?

Mr. Speaker

That seems to be another question.