§ 6. Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set up a committee of inquiry into the problem of the long-term prisoner, with instructions to examine possible new methods and techniques of confining and employing such persons so that they do not degenerate physically and mentally.
§ Mr. CallaghanThe régime for longterm prisoners who require conditions of maximum security was the subject of a report made last year by the Advisory Council on the Penal System. I do not at present contemplate any further formal inquiry, but the treatment of long-term prisoners is under constant consideration by my Department.
§ Mr. SmithDoes the Home Secretary agree that, while it is essential that very serious offenders should be kept out of normal society for long periods, this must be done with reasonable humanity? As we are now faced with prisoners confined for 30 years or more, could not an inquiry be held to consider how, in some cases, a living death can be avoided?
§ Mr. CallaghanWhile I agree with the way in which the hon. Gentleman puts the general consideration, I do not accept the reference in the last part of his question to a living death. I do not think that a new committee would help. A very distinguished group of people is advising us constantly on these matters. If it will help the House, the questions that have been and are being considered, within the limits of the need for proper security and the degree of criminal sophistication of the prisoner, include such matters as work opportunities, association with other prisoners, education, including vocational training and physical education, the need to build up family ties, and home leave. All these are ways in which we can try to avoid the rather exaggerated conclusion reached by the hon. Gentleman.