§ MR. JACOB BRIGHTasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If it is true that Mr. G. H. Clarke, of Ironville, Derbyshire, who was sent to prison on May 20th for refusing to vaccinate his child, has not been allowed to receive a letter from his family; and, if so, whether all prisoners are treated with equal rigour?
MR. ASSHETON CROSS,in reply, said, that debtors were allowed considerable privileges in regard to the receiving of letters; but that, as far as ordinary prisoners were concerned, no distinction was made between one class and another 1683 in their treatment whilst in prison. Of the particular case referred to he knew nothing; but he might say that prisoners were warned before trial that visits and letters would be limited, so that they might arrange their affairs if convicted; and, after their conviction, they had always an opportunity of sending to their friends to complete those arrangements. If the fact in this particular case was as stated in the Question, there must have been some mistake.
§ MR. PARNELLasked, Whether prisoners confined for breaches of the Vaccination Laws were compelled to sleep on a plank bedstead like other prisoners?
MR. ASSHETON CROSS,in reply, said, that no distinction was made between any prisoners confined for nonpayment of fines.