§ 68. Miss Baconasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the recent escapes at Wandsworth Prison, and other incidents in prisons in recent months, he will hold an inquiry into conditions in prisons with particular reference to overcrowding and staffing.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerNo. The difficulties caused by overcrowding and shortage of staff are well known and I am keeping the position in the prisons under close and continuous examination. I am pursuing energetically efforts to increase both staff and accommodation. I share the hon. Member's concern about escapes and I have ordered the special measures described in my reply of 30th June to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Ashford (Mr. Deedes). The transfer of certain long-term prisoners from Pentonville and Wandsworth to Parkhurst has already taken place and limitation of Saturday morning work has begun where necessary.