HC Deb 15 May 1890 vol 344 cc963-4
MR. M'CARTAN

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, with reference to the convict prisoner M'Caffrey, now in Downpatrick Gaol, whether he will state the nature of the disorderly conduct whilst en route to London and from London, for which he was punished; and what was the insubordinate conduct complained of in Pentonville Prison, for which he was placed in separation for nine days and lost 84 marks remission; what were the prohibited articles found in his possession, and for which he was reduced to second probation class for 203 days, besides the forfeiture of 360 marks for remission; what was the prohibited article found with him for which he was put two days on punishment diet; if he will mention the date of his last return to Down patrick Gaol from London; and whether, since then, he has been sentenced to forfeiture of 746 marks of remission, also what period of remission these marks represent?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The General Prisons Board Report — (1) that the nature of the disorderly conduct on the occasion referred to was— Singing in the train going to and returning from London, and not desisting when repeatedly ordered to by the chief and other warders who were in charge. (2) the insubordinate conduct referred to as having taken place in Pentonville Prison was— Persisting in talking whilst at exercise, and not desisting when ordered, necessitating his removal to another yard to exercise by himself. The punishment referred to, namely, separation for nine days and loss of 84 marks remission, was for offences I and 2; (3) the prohibited articles were two pieces of lead pencil, two pieces of tobacco, and some paper with a communication in pencil thereon intended to be passed out of the prison surreptitiously; (4) the prohibited article on this occasion was tobacco; (5) April 18. 1889; (6) the 746 marks referred to have not all been forfeited since the convict's last return from London. Some were forfeited after his first return, but before his second journey to London. The period represented by the forfeited remission marks is 93 ¼ days.