§ Mr. Sloanasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a fashion show was held in Holloway gaol on 18th March; that a hall was provided as a show room; that mannequins were allowed to parade for the benefit of Lady Mosley and other women detained under Regulation 18B; and whether, in view of the fact that the wives and daughters of industrial workers have now no choice in relation to their purchases, he will explain his reason for allowing this proceeding?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI am glad to have an opportunity of stating the facts about this arrangement. There was no fashion show and no parade of mannequins. Persons detained under Defence Regulation 18B are not kept under punitive conditions and, among other things, they are allowed to purchase clothing from their own funds. In view of the clerical and other work occasioned to the staff at Holloway Prison by the ordering of goods by post, arrangements were made with a firm near to the prison to send some goods to the prison so that the women might make their purchases on a cash basis. This arrangement has proved to be much less troublesome to the prison authorities than purchase through the post. No question2178W arises of privileged treatment for the persons detained under the Regulation. They are, of course, subject to the same rationing restrictions as other people.