§ 42. Sir Knox Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the reasons for the increase to 1,683 in the number of escapes from places of detention in England and Wales during the past 12 months; if he is aware that this is a considerable percentage increase from the figure of five years ago; and what steps he is taking to reduce the number of such escapes and thus avoid the frustration at present felt by the police.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsEscapes from prison this year are running at a slightly lower rate than in 1964 and 1965. The increase since 1960 in escapes from all places of detention is due partly to the increase in the number of persons detained and partly to the fact that a higher proportion of those sent for borstal training have proved difficult and unco-operative. As regards the last part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the152W Answer I gave to the hon. Member for Essex, South East (Mr. Braine) on 23rd June.