Mr. E. HARVEYasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been directed to the inadequate supply of books in prison libraries: and whether any steps are being taken to remedy this defect?
Mr. DAVIESOwing to the increased cost of books t[...]e annual grant from voted moneys for this purpose does not go so far as before the War. The Prison Commissioners are, however, negotiating with the Stationary Office for certain books surplus to Army educational requirements, a portion of which they hope to obtain on special terms; and they have been so fortunate as to obtain a single grant of £1,000 from the Carnegie Trustees 2033W to be spent on books for adult education. They also gratefully acknowledge some valuable gifts of books from other sources.