HC Deb 24 February 1930 vol 235 cc1886-7W
Mr. E. BROWN

asked the Home Secretary what was the average number of hours per day spent in the cells by convicts at His Majesty's convict prisons at Parkhurst and Dartmoor during 1929 on Sundays, Saturdays, and normal working days, respectively?

Mr. CLYNES

Excluding the hours of the night between 8.30 p.m. and 6.30 a.m. the average hours spent in cells are:

At Parkhurst:

  • Sundays 6 hours 45 minutes.
  • Saturdays 7 hours 45 minutes.
  • Normal days 4 hours 5 minutes.

At Dartmoor:

  • Sundays 6 hours 55 minutes.
  • Saturdays 6 hours 30 minutes.
  • Normal days 4 hours 45 minutes.

Mr. BROWN

asked the Home Secretary, seeing that on foggy days convict at His Majesty's convict prison, Parkhurst, are not taken to work in association in the workshops, but spend the day in their cells, if he will say on how many days during the past four months have these conditions prevailed?

Mr. CLYNES

It is not the case that on foggy days convicts at Parkhurst Prison are not taken to work in the associated workshops. On such days the workshop parties work as usual, while the parties normally employed outside the walls work in association in the halls.

Mr. BROWN

asked the Home Secretary how many convicts at His Majesty's prison, Parkhurst, have been punished by whipping, solitary confinement, and dietary punishments, respectively; and how many of these were punished for offences of violence or for attempts to escape?

Mr. CLYNES

During the calendar year 1929, there were at Parkhurst Prison two corporal punishments, 95 dietary punishments, and 109 punishments by close confinement. Of these 50 were awarded for offences of violence and four for attempts to escape.

Mr. BROWN

asked the Home Secretary whether an educational adviser has been appointed to His Majesty's Convict Prison, Parkhurst; and, if so, what are the educational qualifications of the gentleman appointed?

Mr. CLYNES

An educational adviser has been appointed at this prison. The gentleman appointed has no diplomas as a teacher, but I am satisfied that he is fully qualified for the post and has taken a keen and valuable interest in the work.