§ SIR JOHN PAKINGTONsaid, he wished to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether it is his intention to take any steps with a view to promoting greater uniformity in the diet and discipline of County and Borough Prisons, or otherwise adopting the recommendations of the Committee of the House of Lords of last Session on Prison Discipline?
§ SIR GEORGE GREYreplied, that steps had been taken to carry into effect some of the recommendations of the Committee. In the month of September he addressed a letter to the Prison Inspectors with reference to certain matters of administration, which were included in those recommendations, and a correspondence had taken place, which might hereafter be laid before the House. A Committee, consisting of three medical men, one of whom was Dr. Guy, was now sitting to inquire whether any alterations might be made in the dietaries of Borough and County Prisons with advantage and safety. There were other recommendations, including one, and not the least important, as to the amalgamation of certain prisons, unfit for the purpose, with County Prisons, which required considerable care and involved much intricacy of detail with reference to financial arrangements. He hoped, however, shortly to lay upon the table a Bill on the subject.