HC Deb 05 May 1936 vol 311 cc1544-5W
Mr. STEPHEN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of young men serving sentences at the Polmont Borstal Institution; how many of those serving sentences were without legal assistance at their trial; and how many have been sentenced to such imprisonment for their first offence?

Sir G. COLLINS

189 persons are undergoing Borstal detention at Polmont, of whom six were sentenced for first offences. Information is not available as to the number who were not legally represented at their trial. Every prisoner before trial is, however, asked whether he desires the services of an Agent of the Poor or some other law agent, and if the prisoner desires legal assistance written intimation to that effect is made to the Poor's Agent or other law agent.