§ Mr. Lawlerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to relieve the overcrowded conditions at Winson Green Prison, Birmingham, and the consequent strain upon the staff at the prison.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsThe overcrowding of the prison system, which is general, and the building programme designed to alleviate it were explained in the White Paper "People in Prison" (Cmnd. 4214, 1969). In the shorter term, and within the limitations of existing resources, everything possible is being done to reduce overcrowding at Birmingham prison by sending prisoners from there to less crowded establishments. The staff complement of the prison has recently been increased.