HC Deb 17 July 1958 vol 591 cc1428-9
24. Mr. V. Yates

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners over the ages of 70 and 75 years, respectively, are serving sentences of preventive detention in Her Majesty's prisons.

Mr. Renton

On the 9th July, 1958, there were in the central preventive detention prisons 15 prisoners over the age of 70 years, of whom 5 were over 75.

Mr. Yates

Is the Minister aware that about two weeks ago a man aged 78 was sentenced to seven years' preventive detention for stealing three coats from a car? An appeal was made because of the man's state of health and the fact that he was likely to die very soon. Will the hon. and learned Gentleman consider whether it is reasonable to condemn these aged persons to prison for the rest of their natural lives?

Mr. Renton

They are, of course, a very small proportion of the total number of prisoners sentenced to preventive detention. We have to face the fact that in some of these cases it may well be the best solution for the prisoners themselves, but if the hon. Member has particularly in mind the case of this man aged 78, and he cares to let me have full details of it, I will make sure that it is carefully looked into.

Mr. Yates

I thank the hon. and learned Gentleman.

25. Mr. V. Yates

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has yet completed his review of the system of preventive detention; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Renton

My right hon. Friend is still awaiting the completion of the research projects to which he referred in replying to the hon. Member on 6th February. He will initiate a review of the system as soon as possible thereafter.

Mr. Yates

While I appreciate the fact that the inquiry is still going on, may I ask whether, in view of the fact that this system has been in operation for ten years, the hon. and learned Gentleman agrees that it is reasonable that we should have some considered review in the very near future? How long must we wait?

Mr. Renton

It is because it has been in operation for nearly ten years that my right hon. Friend is proposing to review the position, but he does not want to do that until he has at his hand all the factual evidence that will be provided by the surveys.

Back to