11.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the effectiveness of the hostel system of rehabilitation for long-term prisoners.
We believe that the hostel scheme for long-term prisoners is most effective. Research is being planned, but since it must be based on a study of a substantial number of cases over a prolonged period, its results cannot be available for some time. Of 308 men and 13 women discharged from a hostel since the scheme was started in 1958, 36 men and no women are known to have been reconvicted by 30th September, 1961.
Would not my hon. and learned Friend agree that the success—I think that we can call it a success—of the hostel system so far is very largely due to the dedicated work and enthusiasm of the prison officers responsible for operating it?
Yes, indeed. Tribute should certainly be paid to them. Of course, we are hoping to open more hostels during the present year.