HC Deb 08 November 1962 vol 666 cc1137-8
15. Mr. Dugdale

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the request of Samual Maurice Daffon, now in Her Majesty's prison, Newport, Isle of Wight, to borrow a book entitled "An Introduction to Criminal Law", by Cross and Jones, was refused; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

A request from a prisoner for a textbook of criminal law for the purpose of serious study would not usually be refused, but the governor was not satisfied that this was the object of this request.

Mr. Dugdale

While not having the least idea as to why my constituent wanted this book, may I ask whether it is really for the governor to say that my constituent could give no convincing explanation? Is it not a little odd that, according to the hon. and learned Gentleman's answer to me by letter, the circulation of a book describing the Criminal Law should be deemed, under the criminal law, to endanger good order and discipline in the prisons? Is not that answer rather peculiar? Is it not also a fact that this book belongs to my constituent's mother and is being held by the prison and not sent back to her?

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

I have no information about that matter. Usually, if the governor were satisfied that the prisoner required the book for the purpose of his own appeal or any legal matters in which he personally was involved, leave would certainly be granted. I think that we have to leave discretion to the governor in this matter—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."]—since, under the rules as they stand, there is no right to insist upon any particular book.

Mr. Fletcher

Does not the hon. and learned Gentleman think that, without exception, the more that prisoners have opportunities for learning about the criminal law the better? Ought not the Home Office to lay down a regulation that any prisoner who wants to study a subject should have every facility for doing so?

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

That is almost always the case, but there are exceptional cases. I do not wish to canvas the reasons here.

Mr. Speaker

Sir Richard Pilkington. Question. No. 16.

Mr. Dugdale

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

Several Hon. Members

rose—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The position is confusing. The right hon. Member for West Bromwich (Mr. Dugdale) has given notice that he wishes to raise this matter on the Adjournment. Sir Richard Pilkington. Question No. 16.

Mr. S. Silverman

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I thought that I had twice been called by you before my right hon. Friend gave notice on this matter.

Mr. Speaker

I am sorry that my voice apparently does not appear to work accurately. I did not call the hon. Gentleman.