§ Commander Bowerasked the Home Secretary whether he has now been able to provide accommodation for citizens detained under Regulation 18B, affording privacy and other amenities reasonably approximating to those enjoyed by them in ordinary life; and whether he will recognise the principle that every effort should be made to minimise the inevitable punitive nature of such detention?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe principle that detention under Regulation 18B is custodial and not punitive in character is fully recognised, and the instructions with regard to those persons who are detained under this Regulation in prisons lay it down that the conditions of their confinement will be as little as possible oppressive, due regard being had to the necessity for ensuring safe custody and maintaining order and good behaviour. As my hon. Friend will be aware it is proposed to transfer to a camp in the Isle of Man persons at present detained under this Regulation at Huyton Camp. Various amenities, including recreational facilities, will be available in the Isle of Man, and it is the intention that the conditions of confinement there shall be no more restrictive than is required by considerations of security and the maintenance of good order in the camp.