HC Deb 19 June 1958 vol 589 cc1307-8
50. Mr. Royle

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cells are unoccupied at Parkhurst Prison, Isle of Wight.

Mr. R. A. Butler

On 14th June, 1958, there were 138 unoccupied ordinary cells at Parkhurst.

Mr. Royle

Is the Home Secretary aware that Manchester Prison at the moment has 1,200 occupants, although it is supposed to house only 800? In view of the vacancies which exist at Parkhurst and of the fact that other prisons are in the same position as Manchester, in spite of the fact that Parkhurst Prison is for preventive detention cases, cannot some of its accommodation be used at least to ensure that there are not so many as three men in a cell?

Mr. Butler

It would not be normal to use this accommodation in the way suggested by the hon. Member, but we are considering doing so in view of the overcrowding elsewhere.