MR. ACLANDasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, On what terms Government hold the Convict Prisons and the land connected with them from the Duchy of Cornwall; if on lease, would he state what are the particulars of the covenants entered into with the Duchy; what consideration has been paid to the Duchy of Cornwall for the land on which the prisons, barracks, &c. were built about the year 1806–1808 for prisoners of war; for the increased quantity of land required when the Convict Prisons were established; and for the land enclosed since; and, under what authority have the enclosures of large tracts of land by the convicts been made ousting the commoners from their ancient rights of pasturage and rights of venville?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTSir, the land is held on leases from the Duchy of Cornwall. I hope the hon. Member will not ask me to state the covenants of the leases. The rent paid under the leases is £371. I am not aware that the right of the Duchy to grant these leases has been questioned.