§ CAPTAIN PRICEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether it is true that he has appointed his private secretary, Mr. R. S. Mitford, a Commissioner of Prisons; what is Mr. Mitford's age and length of public service; and, what experience has he had in the duties which he will be called upon to perform?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTIt is true that I have appointed my private secretary, Mr. R. S. Mitford, a Commissioner of Prisons. I cannot say what is his age; but I am afraid it is one which I might envy. As to the length of his public service, he was 14 years in the Criminal Department of the Home Office. My first acquaintance with Mr. Mitford was when I took Office. I found him there the able and tried private secretary of my Predecessor (Sir 1105 R. Assheton Cross); and I think the greatest proof I could offer of my confidence in him was that I appointed him my chief private secretary. He had been private secretary to four successive Home Secretaries, which everyone who has been in Office knows is about the best training a man can have in official business. Mr. Mitford was thoroughly conversant with the Criminal Department of the Home Office; and the whole business of the Department, since the present system has been established by my Predecessor, has come under his notice and knowledge. I appointed Mr. Mitford because I thought he was entitled to promotion, and in doing so I made the greatest personal sacrifice. I believe the right hon. Gentleman opposite and everyone who knows the Home Office, and who may have transacted business with Mr. Mitford, will bear testimony to his great capacity, and the admirable manner in which he discharged his duties.
§ CAPTAIN PRICEIn consequence of the answer of the right hon. and learned Gentleman, I beg to give Notice that I shall ask on Monday whether there are not in Her Majesty's Service other officers—namely, the Inspectors of Prisons—who are equally conversant with the Prison Service, and equally deserving of promotion?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTI think I had better say at once that I have felt, without casting any reflection on anyone, that it is not desirable that the prison organization of this country should be made exclusively a military organization. I have the greatest respect for, and confidence in, the military men at present in the Prison Service; but I consider it of very great importance that the prison organization of the country should have a civilian as well as a military element.
§ MR. HEALYWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman recommend the Irish Office to appoint the Resident Magistrates in Ireland on the same principles?
§ [No answer was given.]