HC Deb 04 February 1965 vol 705 cc1258-9
8. Mr. Jopling

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent it is his policy to keep up-to-date photographs of persons serving long-term prison sentences.

9. Mr. Hunt

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will issue a directive to prison governors to maintain up-to-date photographs of all potentially dangerous prisoners within their charge.

Miss Bacon

I would refer the hon. Members to the Answer which I gave on 21st January to the hon. Member for Surbiton (Mr. Fisher) and the hon. Member for Poole (Mr. Murton).

Mr. Joplin

Is the Minister aware of the very serious public disquiet which followed the escape of the convicted murderer, Smith, from Wormwood Scrubbs in December, when it was discovered that there was no photograph of him less than 17 years old and an Identikit photograph had to be constructed? Could the hon. Lady tell us what period of time has been recommended to prison governors for the retaking of photographs, particularly in view of the answer to the Question to which she referred, which mentioned only recognisable photographs, and one wonders whether that will go far enough?

Miss Bacon

We appreciate that there was difficulty about that prisoner's escape, and that is why we issued fresh instructions. Obviously, a photograph needs to be recognisable, and that is the whole purpose of having recent photographs.

Mr. Hunt

Can the hon. Lady be a little more specific? How often are the photographs to be taken? The photograph of Smith was 17 years old. Would the hon. Lady not agree that if hanging is to be abolished, the public are entitled to expect not only that maximum security precautions shall be taken in respect of murderers in prison but that in the event of their escaping up-to-date, accurate photographs shall be immediately available? We want reassurance on that point.

Miss Bacon

I think it is very unreasonable to suggest that we should take photographs at specific intervals. After all, some people change in looks more frequently than others do. Provided that we have a recognisable, up-to-date photograph, I think that is all that is necessary.

Sir Richard Glyn

Would the Minister agree that it is not sufficient merely to have a photograph which is, as she describes it, recognisably that of the prisoner? What is needed is a photograph from which a prisoner can be recognised if he or she escapes. That is what is lacking at the present time. Bearing in mind the enormous cost to the community of retaking escaped prisoners, will she look at the matter again?

Miss Bacon

It was because we realised that there was a difficulty that we gave fresh instructions. I am pretty certain that the instructions that we have given will overcome this difficulty.