§ 5. Mr. W. J. Brownasked the Secre- of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the complaints which have been made over several years about the unsatisfactory housing of women officers at Manchester Prison; and what steps are being taken to provide the promised hostel for these women outside the confines of the prison; if he is aware that a further worsening of the situation is contemplated by a proposal to house men prisoners in accommodation formerly reserved for women, and whether he will ensure that these prisoners will not be in close proximity to, and overlook, the women officers' quarters and tennis courts.
§ Mr. EdeYes. Negotiations are proceeding for the acquisition of a site for a hostel close to the prison. In view of the overcrowding in prisons, arrangements have been made for the male prisoners at this prison to use a range of cells, formerly set aside for women, which faces the grounds and quarters of the women officers, but the cell windows will be screened to prevent the officers from being overlooked.