HC Deb 25 March 1965 vol 709 cc716-7
7. Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he intends to extend the granting of hostel parole to men serving prison sentences; and if he will make a statement.

Miss Bacon

At present I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Sharples) on 10th December.

Mr. Mills

Will the Minister bear in mind the need for a reform? Is the hon. Lady aware that I am sorry that she has not been able to make a fuller statement on this matter and that this is a very real problem? Will she bear in mind that I have experience of this problem in my constituency and that some action is necessary now?

Miss Bacon

Action is taking place now, as the hon. Gentleman will realise if he reads the Answer which I gave on 10th December. My right hon. and learned Friend is very keen to extend the hostel system, because we believe it to be a valuable means of transition from prison life to life outside. My Answer on 10th December said that three hostels are shortly to be opened at Maidstone, Bristol and Wormwood Scrubs, and others are being planned.

Mr. Lubbock

Cannot the hon. Lady be a little more forthcoming about this? Can she say when the three hostels are to be opened? Can she also say whether there is any plan for opening hostels in other part sof the country?

Miss Bacon

Yes, Sir. The Bristol hostel will be ready in the late summer and the other two early next year. We hope to get others open as soon as possible. We are considering opening other hostels for particular categories of prisoners.