HC Deb 09 March 1966 vol 725 cc2089-90
19. Mr. Wylie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many male prisoners were sleeping three or more to a room at the end of 1965.

Mr. Willis

504, besides those in dormitories at Aberdeen and Penninghame Open Prison.

Mr. Wylie

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that this state of affairs imposes a very heavy strain on the prison service and the prison officers' service? Are not we in danger of reaching a situation in respect of prisons that has been reached in the case of remand homes in Glasgow, where the courts have been told by the Secretary of State for Scotland not to send any more boys there?

Mr. Willis

This is a most regrettable situation, but it should have been tackled many years ago. Hon. Members opposite have some responsibility for this. We are now proceeding with the highest ever prison building programme. Last year we provided 100 additional places and this year we hope to provide an additional 120 places. These are for young offenders, but they will relieve the overcrowding in the prisons themselves.

Mr. Noble

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether this very high rate of prison building is in addition to what was planned, or is it covered by the plan we left him?

Mr. Willis

To be quite honest, the right hon. Gentleman increased the building programme in 1964, which was an election year. The rate has now reached a record level.