§ 11. Mr. John Hannamasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department 2037 if, in view of recent representations made by the Governor and Chairman of the Board of Visitors of Exeter Prison, he will take immediate action to improve the toilet facilities there.
§ Mr. CarlisleAuthority has been given for certain minor works. We are seeing whether further improvements can be made.
§ Mr. HannamI thank my hon. and learned Friend for that slightly encouraging answer. Is he aware that since 1968, when strong representations were first made about the appalling lack of adequate lavatory facilities at Exeter Prison, the number of prisoners has increased from 289 to 384, which results in there being only one lavatory for every 43 inmates? Does he agree that the ensuing slopping-out procedures which must be carried out are nauseating and out-of-date, and that the utmost priority should be given to improving the facilities?
§ Mr. CarlisleI am fully aware that the sanitary arrangements at Exeter Prison are not wholly satisfactory. The Regional Director for the South-West has authorised the adaptation of some of the existing sanitary facilities, and among the further improvements we are considering are the provision of additional lavatories. As to sanitation generally and the policy of slopping-out, all cells in new prisons and units of accommodation now being built at existing prisons will be provided with integral sanitation.