§ Mr. HAYESasked the Home Secretary how many convicts in Parkhurst convict prison have been punished under prison rules since 30th June, 1927; for what offences such punishments were imposed; what has been the nature and extent of the punishments; and whether he intends to hold any inquiry into the administration of this prison during the last 18 months?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS72 convicts have been punished for 26 offences of violence, one of attempted escape, three of idleness and 64 other breaches of rules.54W The punishments awarded have been, corporal punishment, one; loss of stage or remission, 92; dietary punishment, 38; close confinement, 40. There is no reason for any inquiry, and no inquiry will be held.
§ Mr. HAYESasked the Home Secretary how many educational lectures have been provided for the convicts at Parkhurst convict prison since 1st September, 1927; upon what subjects and by whom such lectures have been given and the average attendance at them; what educational lectures have been definitely arranged to be given during the next six months; whether the offer of the Isle of Wight education authority to provide a course of weekly lectures during the winter and spring has been accepted; and, if the offer is not accepted, what steps will be taken to ensure the regular and systematic provision of educational lectures for the prisoners in this prison?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSDuring the period in question there have been no educational lectures for the general body of prisoners, but educational classes have been held for prisoners likely to profit by them as follows: Nine classes in "The Progress of Aviation" and "The History of the British Empire" taken by Lieut. Carr, R.A., and Lieut. Craney, R.A., with an average attendance of seven. Twelve choral classes, taken by Mr. Russell, with an average attendance of 33. Thirteen band classes, taken by an officer of the Church Army and a prison officer, with an average attendance of 13. There have also been three concerts, with an average attendance of 159. At the present there are two educational classes, two choral classes, and one band class weekly, and these arrangements will continue at any rate till Christmas. No definite arrangements have been made beyond that date.
As regards the offer made by the education authority for the Isle of Wight, I am sending the hon. Member copies of the correspondence which the Prison Commissioners have had with the authority, from which he will see how the matter now stands. I hope that the authority will feel able to co-operate with the Governor, but in any case arrangements have been made locally to enable the Governor to obtain advice and assistance in preparing his educational programme.