§ 12. Mr. V. Yatesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of public concern at conditions in many prisons at the present time; and what facilities he will provide to enable those concerned with the administration of justice to inspect a representative selection of Her Majesty's prisons.
§ Mr. RentonYes, Sir. As regards the second part of the Question, judges are entitled to visit any prisons, and justices of the peace to visit prisons in their area, 506 without any special facilities from my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. YatesIn view of the fact that Mr. Justice Salmon recently expressed shock at the number of persons sleeping three in a cell, would the Under-Secretary consider inviting judges specially to visit selected prisons and see particularly the appalling conditions in Strangeways, Birmingham and Dartmoor prisons? Would the Home Secretary consider this and even consider accompanying Her Majesty's judges on the inspection? It would do good to everybody.
§ Mr. S. SilvermanAnd stay in a few days.
§ Mr. RentonI do not think that a special invitation is either necessary or appropriate, but I assure the hon. Member that judges and magistrates take full advantage of these opportunities of visiting prisons, as indeed do my right hon. Friend and myself.