HC Deb 07 July 1882 vol 271 cc1779-80
MR. JUSTIN M'CARTHY

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he can state the names of the gentlemen appointed as successors to the first three outside inspectors of the Dublin Convict Prisons whose appointments came to an end in September 1881, and how many visits were made to the Dublin Convict Prisons since the first appointment of outside inspectors in September 1880?

MR. DILLON

said, that before the latter part of the Question was referred to he would like to ask what system of inspection existed at Kilmainham?

MR. TREVELYAN

Sir, I am informed that at Kilmainham there is a local Inspector, and that the prison is under the same system as the other convict prisons. I mentioned yesterday the names of the gentlemen whose appointments as unpaid Visitors of the Dublin convict prisons expired on the 30th of September, 1881, and who were re-appointed for 12 months. They appear to have paid one visit to the Dublin convict prisons—that was in December, 1880, when all three inspected the Mountjoy male convict prison minutely, and conversed with the prisoners in numerous cases in private.

MR. JUSTIN M'CARTHY

Have there been no visits since that time?

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to appoint fresh Visitors?

MR. TREVELYAN

I will answer that on Monday.

SIR HENRY HOLLAND

Was any visit paid to Spike Island Prison?

MR. TREVELYAN

Yes. Pretty frequent visits.

SIR R. ASSHETON CROSS

Would it not be wiser to ask these gentlemen to pay periodical visits?

MR. TREVELYAN

I shall certainly look into this matter.