§ Mr. Sorensenasked the Home Secretary whether he has any statement to make respecting the recent disturbances in Chelmsford prison; and whether he has instituted any special inquiry, with a view to removing any legitimate grievances that may have given rise to the disturbances?
§ Sir S. HoareThere has been full inquiry, in the course of which over 100 prisoners were interviewed individually. The inquiry shows that there was no widespread dissatisfaction or any grounds of grievance. A small group of prisoners, however, had spread the idea that as a result of a staff change harsh methods of treatment might be expected. Shortly afterwards there was an assault by a prisoner on an officer, and the prisoners got the mistaken idea that some officers had attacked the prisoner. During evening1426W recreation on the 10th instant some shouting and disorder took place, but when the Governor arrived and addressed the prisoners, they returned quietly to their cells, and there has been no subsequent sign of trouble.