HC Deb 05 May 1863 vol 170 cc1245-6
MR. NEWDEGATE

said, he wished to move for an Address for a copy of, or extracts from, the correspondence between the Home Office, the prison authorities, and the visiting Roman Catholic priest recently dismissed from attendance at, the Dartmoor Prison. It was important that the correspondence should be produced before the House was called on to pass a judgment on the Prison Ministers Bill.

Moved, That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that She will be graciously pleased to give directions that there be laid before this House, Copy of or Extracts from the Correspondence between the Home Office, the Prison Authorities, and the Visiting Roman Catholic Priest, recently dismissed from attendance at the Dartmoor Prison.

SIR GEORGE GREY

said, he had no objection to produce the letter in which he had intimated his opinion as to the conduct of the Roman Catholic priest dismissed from attendance. He considered, that owing to deficiency of temper and discretion, his continuance in the office was inconsistent with the good order and discipline of the prison; but he thought it was undesirable in such a case that all the correspondence should be laid before the House.

MR. KINNAIRD

said, he regretted that any desire should be evinced to conceal the facts of the case. In his opinion, the whole correspondence ought to be produced, as it bore upon the Prison Ministers Bill, which the right hon. Gentleman had introduced.

MR. WHALLEY

said, that similar correspondence, in another case, had been given to him, and he thought it was most reasonable the House should require the correspondence in the present instance.

Question put.

The House divided:—Ayes 21; Noes 35: Majority 14.