§ Sir C. Osborneasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in view of the fact that 242 prisoners have escaped so far this year, and of the advice recently given to him by the Prison Officers' Association, if he will end the type of régime which facilitates prison escapes; in view of the demand by the general public that prisons be made more places of punishment, if he will consult with the prison officers on the means by which this can be achieved; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsI would refer the hon. Member to my replies to Questions by the hon. Member for Essex, South-East (Mr. Braine) and other right hon. 115W and hon. Members earlier today. I have no reason to suppose that the Prison Officers' Association dissents from the view that a positive and constructive régime for prisoners can be consistent with the maintenance of a proper degree of security.