§ Mr. N. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the approximate floor-space of the living and sleeping rooms in the prison warders' quarters at Perth; whether be is aware that the kitchen and two bedrooms of the quarters in which Warder W. G. Wilson was expected to reside with his wife and three children during structural alterations to his quarters measured 206 square feet, 182 square feet, and 156 square feet, respectively; that structural alterations, painting, and decorating were executed in all the rooms at the same time; were his medical advisers satisfied that the conditions were adequate; and will he reconsider the officer's claim for rent of alternative accommodation and other expenses during the alterations?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe floor space of the kitchens in the warders quarters at Perth Prison varies from a, maximum of 206 to a minimum of 132 square feet (average 167) and that of other rooms from 210 to 63 square feet (average 128). The floor space of the kitchen and rooms in the quarters of Warder W. G. Wilson is approximately as stated. As explained in replies to similar questions on 13th March, it was because this officer chose to remove his wife and family from the quarters shortly after the work of alteration and improvement had commenced that advantage was taken of the position 1159W to proceed with the work in several rooms simultaneously. In the absence of the wife and family there was no occasion for medical advice as to the conditions, but I am informed that the medical officer would have had no objection to the conditions if the work had proceeded in the normal way. The officer's claim for rent of other accommodation and expenses during the alterations has already received full consideration, and I see no reason for departing from the decision that payment would not be justified.