asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the publication in the Press of details concerning the life in gaol, or while under detention at His Majesty's pleasure, of convicted prisoners; if so, by what means such information is obtained; and what steps he proposes to take to put a stop to the communication or publication of such information?

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that reports of interviews with convicted prisoners have appeared in the public Press; and if he is prepared to grant facilities to all convicted prisoners to be interviewed?

Reports of interviews with convicted prisoners that appear in the Press must not be regarded as necessarily authentic. They sometimes diverge considerably from the truth, and sometimes are pure inventions. I see no reason at present for any alteration in the rules governing visits.

Will the Home Secretary be kind enough to answer the intermediate portion of my question, namely, by what, means such information is obtained?

The information is not obtained. It is invented outside.

Does the Home Secretary suggest that there were no such communications made—that they were all invented?

I have made inquiry. I think I know the particular interview to which my hon. Friend refers, and, so far as I can find out, no such interview took place.

Is it not a very good thing that what occurs in the prisons should get out sometimes—information as to how these prisons are conducted?