HC Deb 15 November 1956 vol 560 c1123
34. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement regarding the experiments of permitting prisoners to go outside our prisons daily to work; how many prisons are now operating this scheme; and what steps are being taken to extend and encourage further schemes.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. W. F. Deedes)

The scheme to which I think the hon. Member is referring is at present in operation for selected preventive detention prisoners at Bristol for men and Durham for women. The experience gained of the working of this scheme suggests that something like it might usefully be tried elsewhere with other classes of prisoners, and draft amending rules to permit this were laid before Parliament on 23rd October last. If they meet with approval, my right hon. and gallant Friend intends to ask the Prison Commissioners to submit detailed proposals for the application of this principle in a wider sphere.

Mr. Awbery

Will the Minister give his blessing to the schemes which are now in operation, and will he do all he can to encourage prison governors all over the country to adopt similar schemes?

Mr. Deedes

As soon as the rules are approved, we shall take the action which I have outlined.