Kirkham Open Prison (Escapes)

HC Deb 09 March 1967 vol 742 cc1744-5

32. Colonel Lancaster

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many men absconded from Kirkham Open Prison during 1966.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

Thirty-five, Sir.

Colonel Lancaster

These are very disturbing figures. My own information is that 21 escaped in the last five months. In view of the built-up area in which Kirkham open prison is situated, does the right hon. Gentleman feel that he is justified in extending the categories of prisoners who are sent there?

Mr. Jenkins

I would certainly agree that the figures are not totally satisfactory, but they should be seen against the background of the level of escapes of 49 in 1965 and 46 in 1964. Furthermore, the only extension we have in view, which we shall not undertake without further consultation, would be to treat Kirkham in much the same way as Leyhill is treated where the level of abscondings is substantially lower.