HC Deb 10 April 1941 vol 370 cc1705-6W
Mr. Denville

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the release of all men and women from our prisons and settlements whose conduct is satisfactory and whose help will aid the war effort in the ranks and in the workshops?

Mr. Peake

The proposal made by my hon. Friend was considered earlier in the war. While my right hon. Friend did not feel justified in authorising any general release of prisoners to assist the war effort, remission of sentence has been recommended in exceptional cases to enable prisoners to join the Services or engage in work of national importance where such a course can be taken without prejudice to the administration of justice.