§ Mr. T. Smithasked the Home Secretary in what respects the prison service differs from the fighting Services, in which members of the latter may have legal representation at courts-martial; and having regard to the fact that both services are of a disciplinary character; will he concede legal representation to the prison staffs at similar courts at which officers may be tried?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonBetween the trial of persons subject to military law by courts-martial, which are empowered to impose sentences of imprisonment and penal servitude, and disciplinary inquiries into the conduct of persons employed in a disciplined branch of the Civil Service, there is no analogy, and I am unable to accept the suggestion in the second part of the Question.
§ Mr. Smithasked the Home Secretary whether he will consider making alterations in the prison service so as to ensure proper discipline over inmates and to bring about safe custody; is he aware that many experienced governors have been passed over for promotion by the Prison Commissioners; and that at least three of the present Commissioners have had no practical experience of administration in prisons?
§ Mr. MorrisonTo ensure proper discipline over prisoners and to maintain2094W their safe custody is one of the primary functions of the prison service as at present organised. I know of no ground for the suggestion that in the promotion of prison governors or in the appointment of Prison Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners there has been any failure to give due weight to experience as one of the qualifications of which account must be taken; but it would be a mistake to restrict all the higher appointments to persons whose experience has been confined to prison work. It is advantageous to the service that amongst those responsible for its administration there should be some who can contribute knowledge and ideas gained in other fields.