§ MR. A. R. D. ELLIOTasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether it is the case that, by the Prisons (Scotland) Act, 1877, the appointment of prison chaplain is restricted to ministers and licentiates of the Established Church; and, if so, whether the Government will endeavour to pass a Bill abolishing this restriction?
THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. B. BALFOUR)It is the case that by Section 10 of the Prisons (Scotland) Act, 1877, the appointment of prison chaplain is restricted to ministers and licentiates of the Established Church. The Bill was passed by the late Government. In the present state of Public Business, I am unable to hold out any prospect that a Bill dealing with the subject of prisons will be introduced this Session.