§ MR. HEALYasked the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether, in any scheme for the employment of convict labour for making harbours in England or Scotland, the Government will consider the desirability of constructing by the same agency those piers and breakwaters on the Irish coasts which fishery inspectors and others have so frequently recommended?
§ MR. COURTNEYSir, the necessity of providing employment for Irish convicts is not just now urgent; but I must add that I do not think the particular works apparently indicated by the Question of the hon. Member would at any time be suitable, as convict labour can be economically employed only on a large scale. The same principle will be employed in dealing with convicts whatever their place of origin?