§ MR. STOCKsaid, he rose to ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether it is true that Messrs. Sullivan and Pigott, the prisoners in Ireland convicted of seditious libels, are subject to all the restrictions and regulations imposed on ordinary convicts, with the exception of not being compelled to wear the prison dress and to live on prison diet; whether they are subject to twenty-two hours' solitary confinement per diem; and, whether the law authorizes similar treatment of persons convicted in England of seditious writing?
THE EARL OF MAYOSir, it is not true that the prisoners, Messrs. Sullivan and Pigott, convicted of seditious libels, have been subjected to all the restrictions and regulations imposed on ordinary convicts, with the exception of not being compelled to wear the prison dress and to live on prison diet. The by-laws which regulate the prisoners in the Richmond Bridewell are prepared by a Board of Superintendence and sanctioned by the Municipal Council of Dublin and approved by the Lord Lieutenant. The rules with regard to cleaning the cells, clothing, diet, the number of visitors, the time for putting out lights, and the presence of the Governor during the visits of their friends, have all been relaxed to a considerable extent in reference to these prisoners, who, I am 1815 informed, have not made any complaint with regard to their treatment except in one particular, which is at present under consideration. The time allowed for exercise is three hours and a half a day. These hours of exercise would be extended if it were thought necessary, and if a desire to that effect were expressed on the part of the prisoners. I understand that one of the prisoners, Mr. Sullivan, has already expressed himself desirous of not being required to exercise for more than one hour during the day, and therefore the rule has been altered in his case. There are no means in the Richmond Bridewell of keeping prisoners in association, and therefore it is necessary that these persons should remain in their cells. I apprehend, however, that they would not desire to be placed in association, even if it were possible. In regard to the general instructions given with respect to these prisoners, the Governor of the gaol has been informed that he is at liberty to relax the rules of the prison as he may think necessary or desirable, provided it can be done consistently with the discipline of the gaol, the safety of the prisoners, and the proper execution of the sentences passed upon these prisoners.