27 DECEMBER 1935, Page 19

BRIXTON PRISON

[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] SIR,—As I have been a Visiting Justice at this prison during the last few years I trust you will permit a few .observations In reply to the letter which appeared in your last issue.

,I have paid many visits, and on each occasion every prisoner has the right to bring his grievances before me, and care is taken that each one has the opportunity of doing so. On each occasion a considerable number of interviews have taken place but the prisoner almost always is seeking advice on some matter unconnected with the prison, and complaints are extremely rare. The Governor impresses me as able and humane, and the warders seem of an excellent type. The prison is well warmed and aired, whilst the hospital seems excellent. I have never had a complaint regarding food. I have gone through the kitchens, which are clean and sanitary, and have seen the food in its unprepared state. I have seen nothing calling for criticism, but of course the really important factor is the total absence of complaint. Such discipline as exists does not seem to me in any way excessive, nor does it seem to incur the resentment of the prisoner.—Yours faithfully,