§ MR. BRADLAUGHasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the shocking state of the prisons in Cape Colony, as shown by the report made last year to the Cape Parliament, and to the ill-treatment and insufficient and baa food of the prisoners undergoing sentence; whether it is true that female prisoners have been subjected to criminal assaults by the gaolers; that some of the gaols are, as reported, "never free from vermin," and that untried prisoners were found in the most wretched condition from bad food, "aggravated by the utter impossibility of their taking any exercise in the cramped space allowed them;" and whether the Government has taken, or will take, any action in the matter?
§ BARON HENRY DE WORMSI have seen the report in question. A very searching inquiry was made, and was immediately followed by the passing (in August last), of a stringent Act for the removal of the abuses which had been brought to light. As the hon. Member is aware, these matters in Colonies which have responsible government are entirely within the jurisdiction of the Colonial Government.
§ MR. BRADLAUGHIs the hon. Gentleman aware that up to the present time, except the passing of an Act, no 257 thing has been done to improve the condition of the prisons, and that they still remain in the same horrible state?
§ BARON HENRY DE WORMSI am not aware of the fact, but I will make inquiry.