§ 2. Mr. Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why a prisoner at Winson Green was kept in solitary confinement from 28th May, 1964, to 10th November, 1964; and if he will ensure that there is no repetition of solitary confinement of this duration.
§ Miss BaconThe reason was as stated in the Answer I gave on 26th November last. The situation created by this most exceptional case is unlikely to recur.
§ Mr. ShepherdIs the hon. Lady aware that this period of detention—six months—gives rise to very real concern? Can she say what steps, if any, have been taken to make certain that if this issue were repeated, these circumstances would not be repeated?
§ Miss BaconI agree with the hon. Gentleman about these cases. With regard to this particular case, this was a prisoner with a record of violence who was segregated on 26th May pending the police investigation into an incident where the man was alleged to have struck another prisoner a violent blow and then, while the other prisoner was on the floor, kicked him about the head until he was unconscious. This man was segregated from his fellow prisoners until his trial at the assizes, which did not take place until 10th November. I think that it was the very great delay in the assizes which was responsible, but I would add that this prisoner is now in Grendon Psychiatric Prison, receiving treatment. I hope that in future there will not be this long segregation of prisoners in cells.