§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Home Secretary what is the minimum temperature he considers necessary in prison cells; whether he is aware that 52 degrees Fahrenheit is considered a reasonable temperature by at least one prison doctor; and that the temperature in many prison cells is often considerably below this standard?
§ Mr. SHORTTFifty-five or 60 degrees is, under normal conditions, the temperature aimed at, and the Prison Commissioners have no reason to believe that the temperature of many cells falls below that standard. I may add that extra clothing and bedding is issued at the discretion of the medical officer if under any particular circumstances he considers it desirable.