HC Deb 04 July 1968 vol 767 cc1678-9
25. Mr. Dance

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will seek to reintroduce capital punishment for the crime of murder of police or prison officers in view of the long series of attacks on police and prison officers.

Mr. Callaghan

No, Sir.

Mr. Dance

What has the right hon. Gentleman in mind to protect police and prison officers against those who have been put inside for real life, and against whom, at the moment, there is no sanction? What is the right hon. Gentleman going to do to protect these police and prison officers and help recruiting?

Mr. Callaghan

An increasing number of prison officers is being recruited, and I hope to recruit 1,000 new ones this year. I am glad to say that security for these officers is increasing substantially in prisons, and I am determined that they shall not have their position endangered by the change in the 1965 Act which Parliament, after a free vote, decided to make.