§ 84. Mr. Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the punishment procedure at Polmont Borstal Institution in Falkirk, under which a boy, as punishment for failure to return from home leave, is at present being kept in solitary confinement in an underground cell for 21 days, without access to exercise in the fresh air, teasing wool all day, conforms to standards laid down for such misdemeanours; and whether he will hold an inquiry into this treatment.
§ Mr. NobleUnder the Borstal (Scotland) Rules, 1950, temporary removal of an inmate from his house is a punishment which may be awarded for an offence against discipline. At Polmont Borstal Institution inmates removed from 75W their houses are accommodated in cells which are on ground level (though forming part of the basement floor of the building) with windows and ventilation to the open. They normally work in an adjacent yard, except in inclement weather, and exercise daily in the gymnasium. The inmate referred to in the Question was awarded 21 days' removal from house, as from 12th April, by the Visiting Committee for failure to return from home parole. It was also found that he required continuous medical observation, and he was accordingly employed in his cell on work considered in the circumstances to be suitable for him, and was given exercise twice daily within the separate cell block. He is still under observation, but since 19th April, on medical advice, he has been working outside his cell and exercising in the gymnasium. He will be returning to his house on 1st May. I am satisfied that an inquiry into his case is not necessary.