"PRISON REFORM AND SENTENCES"

Evening Post, Issue 126, 29 May 1936, Page 8

"PRISON REFORM AND SENTENCES"

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —In last night's "Evening Post" there appeared a letter from an anonymous correspondent under the caption "Prison Reform and Sentences," purporting to convey that an authoritative deputation had recently waited upon the Minister of Justice urging ■an inquiry into prison conditions. I do not propose to enter into a Press controversy, but it may be interesting for the public to know of the credibility of the deputationists who waited upon the Hon. Minister to press for an inquiry into prison conditions. Without mentioning names, the dossiers of the gentlemen concerned show as follows:—

Deputationist A. —Has' been persistently in and out of prison since 1924 for theft, forgery, and no less than 20 charges of false pretences.

Deputationist B.—A persistent offender since 1914 for offences of theft, assault, etc., which comprise no less than 15 convictions for crimes of violence. •

Deputationist C.—Repeatedly in and out of prison since 1923 for breaking and entering, assault, theft and receiving.

It is perfectly obvious why " these men. protest against the Habitual Criminals Act as they are all qualified to be detained thereunder. They are definitely anti-social and are unable to approach the problem dispassionately. If they object-to prison conditions why do they persistently return? —I am, etc.,

B. L. DALLARD, Controller-General of Prisons. May. 28.