HC Deb 18 February 1964 vol 689 cc998-9
7. Mr. Compton Carr

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what steps he is taking to improve the methods of prison building.

Mr. Rippon

I have just reconstituted the development group for prison building in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department. Substantial improvements have already been achieved in prison building and I intend to ensure that we keep pace with the rapid advance of thought in the field of penology.

Mr. Carr

Will my right hon. Friend be paying attention to the provision of outside walls, which cost so much, and to the possible replacement of them by other means of containment?

Mr. Rippon

I can assure my hon. Friend that nothing will escape our attention.

Mr. C. Pannell

Is the Minister aware that if he wants a shocking example of what must never happen again he need only look at Armley Gaol, in my constituency, which is surely an offence to all civilised standards?

Mr. Rippon

Unlike the hon. Gentleman, I have never seen that gaol. However, I will certainly look at it if he feels that it is important that I should.