LIFE IN PRISON

Evening Star, Issue 23682, 16 September 1940, Page 10

LIFE IN PRISON

DAILY SHAVE NOW PERMITTED New regulations gazetted as amendments to the prison regulations provide some liberal concessions to prisoners. They are now given authority to shave daily if they so desire, while they may be permitted, at the discretion of controlling officers, to provide their own shaving outfits. Visits are also extended, and prisoners are to be permitted to write a letter a day instead of one a week as hitherto. The new regulations provide that every prisoner shall be subject to a routine medical examination as soon after admission as possible. All male prisoners whose sentences exceed one month shall, on admission, have their hair cut, and it shall thereafter be

kept reasonably short, but not so short as to disfigure them. Such prisoners shall also have their beards shaved or close-clipped not less than once a week. However, if deemed necessary on the ground of health or cleanliness, any convicted prisoner may have his hair cut, no matter what the-length of his sentence may be. Prisoners whose conduct and industry are satisfactory may, if they so desire, wear their private clothing (excluding underwear and footwear) after working hours, subject to the approval of controlling officers as to its suitability. Trafficking or exchanging clothes with other prisoners is to be prohibited. The regulations also regularise certain improvements to the ration scale which has been in operation for some time past. They also provide for the issue of fresh fruit. A boiled or steamed pudding is to be issued with dinner on at least two days in each week.