HC Deb 26 January 1953 vol 510 cc85-6W
Mr. Speir

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why William Canning, a convicted gunman serving a seven-year sentence, was released from Barlinnie Prison on 7th January to attend his wedding; and whether he will take steps to ensure that any further weddings in which prisoners are concerned take place only in prison chapels.

Mr. J. Stuart

In accordance with practice, this prisoner was released under escort for less than three hours to enable him to marry his fiancée in order to prevent their child from being born out of wedlock. There are objections, on security and other grounds, to allowing weddings to take place in prison chapels.