14 JUNE 1935, Page 19

DEGREES FOR CONVICTS

[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]

Sul„—Some amusement has, I notice, been caused by the fact that the London University Authorities have received a suggestion that prisoners should be allowed to study when in gaol for the different graduate examinations.

The idea is not purely humorous, for in Tanganyika the other day the Government published regulations declaring that all convicts must be allowed to observe public holidays and have a full week-end for leisure and thought. The only logical hope is that if prison is made sufficiently attractive the real criminals will be so keen to get there that they will walk along in groups to give themselves up, leaving the Police Force at full liberty to deal with those who never do

anything wrong.—Yours faithfully, C. WATNEY. Courtfield House, Courtfield Road, S. W. 7. -