§ 11. Mr. Fitchasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in how many of Her Majesty's prisons in England and Wales the hostel system operates, as at Pentonville; and what his proposals are for extending this scheme.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. R. A. Butler)There are nine prison hostels for men and one for women. It is hoped to establish four more hostels during the next twelve months.
§ Mr. FitchWould not the Home Secretary agree that one of the advantages of the hostel system is that when a man is discharged he has in his possession a stamped insurance card?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, and there are many other advantages. Provided they go on working as now, subject to certain corrections from time to time, I think this is a very useful experiment.