HC Deb 28 March 1963 vol 674 cc173-4W
55. Mr. Dudley Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the number of indictable offences committed by prisoners granted leave from their sentences under the rehabilitation hostel scheme, since this scheme was started, where a conviction was subsequently obtained.

Miss Pike

Up to 14th March, of about 1,200 men and 130 women who have taken part in the scheme 46 men and one woman had been convicted of indictable offences committed before the expiry of their sentence. Some of these persons were convicted of more than one offence.

56. Mr. Dudley Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will institute an inquiry into the system of selecting prisoners for the rehabilitation hostel scheme, with a view to providing better safeguards for the public.

Miss Pike

As my right hon. Friend indicated in the Supply debate on prisons on 20th March, we are constantly trying to improve the hostel scheme, including the method of selection. Research into the scheme is at present in progress.