HC Deb 31 March 1938 vol 333 cc2195-6W
Sir R. Glyn

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to a case at the Lewes assizes when, on 15th March, sentence was passed on two persons of six months' and 18 months' hard labour, respectively, in spite of the recommendation by counsel for the defence and medical testimony of the need for these persons to have psychological treatment; and whether, in view of this and other cases, he will consider the possibility of establishing, after consultation with eminent alienists, an institution on the lines of, although smaller than, Broadmoor where cases can be dealt with which are aggravated by prison treatment?

Sir S. Hoare

The psychological treatment of prisoners has been the subject of a special investigation by my medical advisers during the last few years and they hope shortly to present a report. When this report has been received I shall be in a better position to consider the general problem raised by the question of my hon. and gallant Friend. It must, however, be remembered that the object of a sentence is not only to check the criminal propensity of the offender but to deter others from committing similar offences.