HC Deb 04 February 1965 vol 705 cc1257-8
7. Mr. Bishop

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied that long-term prisoners, and particularly those convicted of murder and other serious crimes, are likely through their detention and the treatment available to become better citizens; and whether he will review the present system to ensure that such prisoners have more opportunity to become so.

Miss Bacon

My right hon. Friend is giving careful consideration to the treatment in prison of murderers and others serving long sentences. I would, however, point out that of sixty-one male prisoners released from life imprisonment during the five years 1958–1962 only three, one of whom was subsequently released again, had been returned to prison by the end of 1964.

Mr. Bishop

Would the Minister not agree that the speedy implementation of some of the recommendations in the Anson Report about work for prisoners would remove some of their frustrations and help towards rehabilitation, and would enable some prisoners on release eventually to become more useful citizens?

Miss Bacon

Yes, Sir; my right hon and learned Friend wants to progress as fast as possible with the provision of adequate work for prisoners and also an extension of the hostel scheme. If my hon. Friend will await the reply to Question No. 28, he will see that we plan to do a great deal in this respect.