HC Deb 15 May 1958 vol 588 cc605-7
48. Mr. Collins

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of prisoners, the total number of prison staff, and the prisoner-staff ratio at Her Majesty's Prisons, Nottingham and Chelmsford, respectively.

Mr. R. A. Butler

On 2nd May, there were 228 prisoners and a staff of 109 at Chelmsford, and 173 prisoners and a staff of 81 at Nottingham. The number of prisoners to each officer was thus 2.09 and 2.13, respectively.

Mr. Collins

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at Parkhurst there is an average of considerably less than two prisoners to one officer? [HON. MEMBERS: "Speak up."] Can he explain why it is possible that prisons like Chelmsford and Nottingham can supply more amenities and better facilities than Parkhurst, where there are far more officers?

Mr. Butler

In general at central prisons like Chelmsford and Nottingham the prisoners are out of their cells, and extra staff is required for supervision and training. I will look into the position at Parkhurst.

49. Mr. Collins

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the week-end compound period at Parkhurst, which in 1952 was 2½ hours on Saturdays and Sundays, has been reduced to 80 minutes; why evening association, formerly of two hours' duration, is now only 70 minutes; and if he will restore association time to the hours prevailing before the staff was increased.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The week-end compound period was reduced by 15 minutes because the introduction of a new shift system made necessary some changes in the movements of officers. Evening association was reduced by 30 minutes partly because it became possible to increase workshop hours and partly because an expanded education programme made it necessary to use association rooms for classrooms. I hope to provide additional accommodation which will make it possible to restore 15 minutes of the lost association time.

Mr. Collins

Will the Home Secretary deal in particular with the question of association time on Sundays, which is the only time when men can spend periods in association in the fresh air? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this cut was far more considerable than the one he mentioned? Will he look into the fact that since 1953 there has been a big increase in staff which could have made it possible to increase association time and not reduce it?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir, I will look into that point.

50. Mr. Collins

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that, on the day before he is discharged, on completing a seven to 14 years' sentence, a prisoner at Parkhurst is removed to the punishment cells, locked up at 2.30 p.m., and given a bed board for his last night, that he is denied the privilege of becoming accustomed to civilian clothes and, on leaving, although given a railway warrant and 5s. or 10s., is denied soap, towel, or any means of keeping himself clean; and if he will forthwith end this treatment and give the men a better chance to face the world in the first few days after they leave prison.

Mr. R. A. Butler

For the convenience of both prisoners and prison staff, it is desirable that arrangements for discharge should be carried out in a place apart from the main prison. The cells used at Parkhurst are similar to those in the rest of the prison; and I have arranged for prisoners awaiting discharge to have ordinary prison beds in future. Most prisoners receive a towel on discharge from Parkhurst. Prisoners are allowed to try on their civilian clothes some time before discharge; but they do not get final possession of them until the morning of discharge. The money grant to discharged prisoners is intended to cover subsistence needs on the homeward journey; for the rest the prisoner is given a letter of introduction to the National Assistance Board.

Mr. Collins

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have seen men on the day of their discharge from Parkhurst and that my Question referred not to the regulations but to the way they are applied? Is he also aware that many of these things which are on the pre-war list are no longer allowable?

Is he further aware that if upon entry a man cannot be persuaded to sell his clothes they remain in his case, perhaps for seven years, and that when he opens it a lot of things, such as braces, have perished? A constituent of mine was discharged recently and was given this bit of cloth as all that was left to tie up his trousers. [Laughter.] It is neither very funny nor a very good foundation for the start of a new life. Will the Home Secretary look very carefully at the way in which these regulations are applied and do his utmost to help these men, most of whom are friendless and alone?

Mr. Butler

If the hon. Gentleman will give me any further information, I will discuss it with the Prison Commission.

Mr. Paget

May I ask whether the experiment which was tried at Bristol of giving short periods of leave before discharge to prisoners who had been away for a long time so as to get them accustomed to life has been a success?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir. There is a special hostel at Bristol which is the best experiment in preparation for discharge in the country. We hope to extend that experiment. I am glad that it is working very well.

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