HC Deb 04 May 1950 vol 474 cc209-10W
Sir P. Macdonald

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the large number of escapes of persons from Parkhurst and boys from the Camp Hill Institution, which are causing alarm among the residents in the Isle of Wight; and what steps he intends to take to deal with them.

Mr. Ede

In 1949 there were only three escapes from Parkhurst Prison though the daily average population was 662. At Camp Hill Borstal Institution, the number of abscondings during the same period was 38; the daily average population was 267. Absconding from Borstal is a general problem, and continues to give much anxiety to the Prison Commissioners, who fully appreciate the inconvenience and occasional damage suffered by local residents. The Commissioners have not failed to consider all means by which the number of escapes might be reduced. However, if the principles of the Borstal system are to be carried out, absolute security cannot be a governing consideration. This does not mean that discipline and control are relaxed, but it is essential that Borstal inmates should develop the power of self-discipline, and this connotes a system of progressive trust and freedom. Absconders on recapture receive punishment provided by the Borstal rules, and in some cases are transferred to other institutions. Those who have committed offences while at large are sent for a period to the correctional Borstal at Wandsworth prison.