§ SIR HENRY HOLLANDasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, What steps, if any, have been taken to give effect to the strong recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Penal Servitude Acts: First, That there should be an independent inspection of convict prisons by persons appointed by the Government but unconnected with the Convict Prison Department and unpaid; and, Secondly, That the prison at Spike Island be discontinued?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERSir, the discontinuance of the prison at Spike Island is under consideration, and I cannot, consequently, state what will be the decision of the Government with regard to the recommendations of the Commission. The late Government, I find, did not see their way to give effect to them. I agree very much, as far as I am able to go into the question, with the objects aimed at; but there are difficulties in finding a proper person to make the inspection. The English system, as my hon. Friend is doubtless aware, is to appoint a chairman or deputy-chairman of Quarter Sessions to the office; but in Ireland the chairmen of the Quarter Sessions are Crown officials and would not come under the description suggested by the Committee.
§ SIR HENRY HOLLANDSir, in consequence of the reply of the right hon. Gentleman, I beg to give Notice that on an early day I shall move for a Committee to inquire into the subject.