§ MR. T. A. DICKSONasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If, taking into consideration the revelations which have come to light in connection with Omagh Gaol, he will order an inquiry into the proceedings of the Prisons' Board in reference thereto, and into the sanitary condition of all the prisons in Ireland?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTER, in reply, said, a very careful inquiry had been made into the state of Omagh Gaol by an eminent Dublin physician, whose Report he had only before him that day. He did not, however, think there was any ground for going to the expense of a general inquiry into the proceedings of the Prisons Board in reference thereto, and into the sanitary condition of all the Irish prisons. Since the prisons came under the supervision of the Prisons Board the death-rate had been very low; but, taking all the circumstances of the case into consideration, he had directed that special inquiry should be made into the condition of the prisoners under the Coercion Act.
§ MR. T. A. DICKSONsaid, he had intended to have asked the Chief Secretary what provisions would be made for the widow and children of the man who lost his life in the discharge of his duty? but, owing to the fact that certain Papers were being laid upon the Table, he would postpone his Question.
MR. GEAYinquired, whether the Chief Secretary would have any objection to allow the medical sanitary officers of Dublin, who were the officers of the Local Government Board, to inspect Kilmainham Prison without any expense to the Government?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERsaid, he did not think he ought to do that unless there were special reasons for it.
§ MR. HEALYMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he intends to remove from Kilmainham Mr. Parnell, Mr. Dillon, and Mr. O'Kelly, to some other gaol; and, if so, whether he has taken special care as to the sanitary condition of that gaol?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERThat is a Question I must decline to answer.