HC Deb 30 June 1879 vol 247 cc951-2
MR. CALLAN

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he will make arrangements to facilitate the inspection by honourable Members of the cat-o'-nine tails, the sealed pattern of which for the Navy, it has been stated, is deposited at the Admiralty in custody of the First Sea - going Lord, so that honourable Members may be enabled to inspect it without loss of time, by having a specimen of the cat-o'-nine-tails deposited in some convenient room of the House?

COLONEL STANLEY

Sir, I have given orders that the pattern should be placed so that it could be seen by any person who has any business to see it either at the Horse Guards or at the War Office. I will be glad to give any further information in a day or two.

MR. CALLAN

Sir, may I ask, Whether Members of this House are presumed to have a right to see it?

COLONEL STANLEY

Yes; Sir, for they are concerned in the legislation under which the punishment is inflicted.

MR. CALLAN

Sir, I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether he will arrange to facilitate the inspection by honourable Members of the Prison cat-o'-nine-tails by having a pattern cat deposited in some convenient room of the House? I ask this in addition to my former Question, as specimen cats differ as much as a lady's riding whip and her husband's thong.

MR.ASSHETON CROSS

Certainly, Sir. I shall give the same facilities for inspection as those promised by my right hon. and gallant Friend.