SIR E. ASSHETON CROSSasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, What steps are being taken to take effective action under the Report of the Penal Servitude Commission with respect to the independent inspection of convict prisons in Ireland; and, what the Government propose to do as to the prison in Spike Island?
§ MR. TREVELYANSir, since this matter was last referred to in the House His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant has been in communication with the Visitors appointed to the convict prisons in Ireland, and has expressed to them his opinion that the objects for which they have been appointed would be more fully attained if they paid more frequent visits to the prisons than heretofore. They have also been reminded that they are expected to make a joint Report to the Lord Lieutenant at the end of their year of office, and, collectively or individually, to offer to His Excellency any suggestions that may occur to them. Four out of six Visitors have replied expressing regret that from various causes they have been unable to visit the prisons 209 more frequently heretofore, and the hope that they may be able to carry out His Excellency's wishes by giving more time to the duties of their office in future. At the expiration of the present year of office His Excellency hopes to be able to strengthen the Visiting Commission by adding to it some active local gentlemen, whose duties do not ordinarily require their presence elsewhere; and gentlemen with special acquaintance with prison discipline, if possible. With regard to Spike Island Prison, the matter is still in the hands of the Departmental Committee.
§ MR. SEXTONMay I ask if the Government intend to continue in office the two Visitors who have not thought it worth their while to answer the letter of the Lord Lieutenant?
§ [No reply was given.]