MR. FELL PEASE (York, N.R., Cleveland)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If orders have been given to Colonel Lodge or any other official to have preparations made in Millbank Prison for the reception of first-class misdemeanants; and, if so, why he anticipates a large increase of such persons requiring first-class accommodation?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. STUART-WORTLEY) (Shef-1687 field, Hallam) (who replied) said: First-class misdemeanants used to be imprisoned in Coldbath Fields Prison, which is now closed. They are at present generally confined in Holloway Prison, where the accommodation is wanted for ordinary prisoners, who have constantly to be removed from thence for want of room. The Directors of Prisons have, with the approval of the Secretary of State, determined to place all first-class misdemeanants in Millbank Prison. The orders given to the Governor of Millbank have been to appropriate part of a Pentagon there, which is used for female prisoners, and is never full, to the use of male prisoners, both first-class misdemeanants and ordinary prisoners. The Secretary of State has no reason to anticipate an increase of first-class misdemeanants.
§ MR. BRADLAUGH (Northampton)Do I understand the hon. and learned Gentleman to say that the modification arrived at a few years ago, by which first-class misdemeanants were erased as a class, has since been changed?
§ MR. STUART-WORTLEYI think the hon. Member had better give Notice of that Question.