HC Deb 10 March 1953 vol 512 cc106-7W
112. Mr. McKie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has yet come to a decision about the proposal to acquire Penninghame House, near Newton Stewart, for use as an open prison.

Mr. J. Stuart

Yes. The proposal is to establish an open prison to which would be sent very carefully selected first offenders who are nearing the end of a long sentence and who have shown that they can be trusted. They would work outside the prison under suitable supervision and would be helped to re-adjust themselves to the conditions of normal life. Institutions of this kind have been operated with success in England and elsewhere without disadvantage to the local community, and their value has been clearly demonstrated.

I have given most careful consideration to the representations which have been made to me against the proposal to establish such an institution at Penninghame House but I am satisfied that the apprehensions which have been expressed are unjustified. I have accordingly given instructions for negotiations to proceed with a view to the purchase of this property.