PRISON REFORM.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 876, 23 July 1910, Page 5

PRISON REFORM.

1, — MR. CHURCHILL'S SCHEMES. THOROUCH OVERHAUL. TREATMENT OF SUFFRAGETTES. fly α-ewgriek.—Cross Associa.tiofl-Coi>yrl£ni London, July 21. In the House of Commons, in iho debate on tue I'risous Voie, tue Jionie Secretary (Mr. V> lnston Ourcmll.) outtinoa uie pro&peutive revision, of tue prison sysxein. 1-iu said lie proposed to reduce tho number ot tirst-ouonuers sent to prison, aim to allow a penou of grace for payuieiii of lines. There would be introduced defaulters' drill for ott'enders between sixteen and twenty-ono years of age who had rot been guilty ot serious oil:ence6. Imprisonment oi persons under twenty-one years of age would be restricted to a month. Ho had decided that Suffragettes should not be compelled to wear prison clothing, or be compulsorily., searcned. Other regulations regarding Sulfrageues would be relaxed. These latter amendments would also apply to passive sisters.It had been decided that solitary conlinement sliouid not exceed ono month, except in the case of recidivists. Prisoners' aid societies would be encouraged. The whole system of police supervision would be suspended, and the tickct-of-leave system terminated. The sum of £7500 per annum would be devoted to the rehabilitation of discharged prisoners.