HC Deb 13 March 1956 vol 550 cc193-4
1. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many complaints he has received during the last two years about the administration and discipline in Peterhead Prison; the nature, scope and personnel of the inquiry made into each of these complaints; what evidence was submitted; what reports, conclusions and recommendations were made in each case; and what steps were taken, and by whom, to implement those recommendations.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. J. Henderson Stewart)

Since 1st January, 1954, my right hon. Friend has received 117 petitions and the Visiting Committee 38 representations from prisoners in Peterhead about matters relating to administration, discipline, medical treatment and food. These were fully investigated by the Visiting Committee or by my right hon. Friend's officers, but no action, other than the introduction of a more varied diet and improved heating in the tailor's shop, has been found necessary.

Mr. Hughes

Does the Joint Under-Secretary realise that the vast number of these complaints indicates that there must be something wrong in that prison? Will he state whether the inquiries were authoritative and independent, and whether they had regard, not only to punishments, but to reform and the making of good citizens, in accordance with the best modern ideas of penology?

Mr. Stewart

The inquiries were thoroughly carried out by the visiting committee or officers of the Department. As I have said, some improvements in social conditions, heating and food have been made, and it would be true to say that the main criticisms have come from a hard core of rather awkward gentlemen.

Mr. McGovern

Is it not a sad reflection on the administration that out of more than 100 complaints, note has been taken of only those relating to a varied diet, after there had been almost a mutiny in the prison? Is the Joint Under-Secretary aware that even prisoners who have come out of this prison have given up all hope of being able to get any redress of their grievances? Is that not a dangerous state of affairs for any prison?

Mr. Stewart

It is very difficult: men who are in prison or who have been in prison almost inevitably have grievances. The hon. Member has met my right hon. Friend and talked about this matter, and if he feels that he would like another discussion, we shall be ready to meet him.

Mr. Hughes

Does not the vast number of complaints, indicate that there should be an outside independent inquiry in the interests, not only of the prisoners, but of the Governor of the prison himself?

Mr. Stewart

It is not a vast number. There have been 117 petitions over a considerable period of time. When it is remembered that there are 230 to 240 prisoners there all the time and that many of these complaints are of very trifling matters, there does not seem to be any reason for surprise.

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