HC Deb 15 November 1962 vol 667 cc554-5
26. Sir H. Studholme

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has now completed his consideration of the future of Dartmoor Prison: and if he will make a statement.

31. Mr. Hayman

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make his promised statement on the future of Dartmoor Prison before Christmas.

Mr. Brooke

My predecessor announced on 1st December, 1960, his conclusion that Princetown was an unsuitable location for a new prison; and it remains my intention to transfer the prisoners elsewhere when other accommodation becomes available. The local authorities and other interested bodies were told in March, 1961, that a start on reducing the prison population could not be made before the middle of 1965, and might well be later. I greatly regret that, in spite of the additional prisons which have since come into use, overcrowding continues to increase, and I cannot yet fix a firm date. I would hope to give at least three years' notice, when I can fix it. I will review the position as still more new prisons come into use.

Sir H. Studholme

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his Answer, as far as it goes, will give considerable satisfaction to my constituents in Princetown?

Mr. Brooke

I am obliged to my hon. Friend.

Mr. Hayman

Will the Home Secretary also take note of the fact that many others, including myself, will be pleased that he has adhered to the decision reached by his predecessor? We can only hope that the removal of the prison will take place as soon as possible.

Mr. Brooke

If I have pleased both Devon and Cornwall, and both political parties, I have really done well.

Miss Vickers

Having regard to the fact that my right hon. Friend is now going to make these changes, will he also see that the warders' conditions are considerably improved? The prison is fairly satisfactory from the prisoners' point of view, but the warders have many difficulties.

Mr. Brooke

I will take note of what my hon. Friend says. I know that the location, as well as the environment, has disadvantages from the point of view of prison officers.