§ SIR R. ASSHETON CROSSasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether any steps have been taken to carry out any of the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Irish Prisons; and, if so, what steps have been so taken?
§ MR. CAMPBELL - BANNERMANThe Report of the Royal Commission has been only a few weeks in the hands of the Government, and the evidence upon which it is based has not yet been issued. I can, however, assure the right hon. Gentleman that the valuable and important recommendations of the Commission are receiving careful consideration on the part of the Irish Government, and that no time will be lost in coming to a conclusion with regard to them.
§ SIR R. ASSHETON CROSSWill the right hon. Gentleman allow me to point out that there was a very strong recommendation with regard to those prisoners kept in confinement for a long period before their trial? With regard to these prisoners it would seem important that their cases should be taken into consideration as soon as possible.
§ MR. CAMPBELL - BANNERMANThe point which the right hon. Gentleman refers to was taken into consideration, and will be immediately dealt with. But it will be necessary, in the first place, to consult as to what had best be done with regard to them. I have the Report, which I only received yesterday.
§ MR. HASTINGSI will put to the right hon. Gentleman a Question, of which I have given him private Notice. I would ask him whether, in view of the serious disclosures contained in the Report of the Irish Prisons Commissioners, the right hon. Gentleman will be willing to receive a deputation who are prepared to lay before him additional facts and representations with regard to the existing administration of prisons in Ireland?
§ MR. CAMPBELL - BANNERMANYes; I shall be glad to communicate with my hon. Friend in the matter.