§ Major ENTWISTLEasked the Home Secretary whether the Government will consider the desirability of abolishing the silence rule and the straight jacket in prisons, and the limitation of separate confinement?
§ Mr. SHORTTThere is no absolute rule of silence. Intercourse and communication between prisoners are regulated by Rule 77 which was based upon the recommendations of the Committee of 1894, who inquired specifically into this question. The straight jacket is not a punishment, but a restraint used only on medical grounds to prevent prisoners suffering from mental affection from injuring themselves or destroying their clothes, etc. I am not aware of any good reason for alteration in the Regulations governing the matters referred to in the hon. and gallant Member's question.
§ Mr. BRIANTasked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the desirability of further facilities for the transfer of sick prisoners to ordinary hospitals?
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§ Mr. SHORTTThe powers which already exist and are very freely used for the transfer of sick prisoners to ordinary hospitals are found to be sufficient for the purpose.