HC Deb 24 November 1960 vol 630 cc1292-3
17. Mr. Kimball

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners there are in Lincoln gaol; how many of these are eligible to be allowed out on working parties; and how many applications there have been for prisoners to pick potatoes.

Mr. Vosper

There are about 600 prisoners in Lincoln prison, of whom about 50 are suitable for work outside the prison. The governor has received two applications for prisoners to pick potatoes. He was able to grant only one of these.

Mr. Kimball

Would my right hon. Friend seriously consider the establishment of an open prison in the potato-growing areas, because there is a serious shortage of Irish or other casual labour, and this work seems particularly suitable for certain kinds of prisoners?

Mr. Vosper

In view of the opposition to the establishment of any penal institution, I will bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind.