§ Mr. A. Walkdenasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of his refusal to have a judicial inquiry into the circumstances which led to the dismissal of ex-Borstal Officer Bourne from Feltham, and his statement in reply to the hon. Member for Carmarthen (Mr. Hughes), made on 2nd October, that serious injuries were inflicted upon a Borstal inmate by the violence used by Bourne, he is prepared to prosecute Bourne in the courts in order that the officer may have the opportunity in a judicial trial of clearing himself of a serious charge which was responsible for bringing to an end his career in the prison service?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonAs explained in the statement to which my hon. Friend refers, I decided on evidence which left no doubt in my mind, that this officer had shown himself so far lacking in self-control that it was no longer possible to regard him as suitable to have charge of prisoners or Borstal inmates. This decision is not affected by any consideration whether he could be successfully proceeded against on a criminal charge. I regret therefore that I cannot act on my hon. Friend's suggestion.