asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the number of prisons that have been closed in Great Britain since November, 1918; what staff has been discharged in connection with such closings or whether all the staff have been transferred to other prisons; and if it is intended to close any more prisons in the near future?

Mr. DAVIES:

Nine prisons have been wholly closed, and the female Wing of eight others, since November, 1918. A Borstal institution has been added, and one local prison re-opened. The staff has been absorbed in the establishrnents of other prisons, except those who were of pensionable age and who retired on pension. The question whether any more prisons are to be closed must depend on whether there is such further decrease in the prison population as would justify such a step. As regards prisons in Scotland, inquiries should be addressed to the Secretary for Scotland.