§ SIR CHARLES LEWIS (Antrim, N.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether, before the closing of several County gaols in Ireland, and the consolidation of several such gaols in one central gaol, the salaries of the external officers (such as chaplains and medical officers) were fixed, having regard to the extent of the work involved, and the average number of prisoners; whether, owing to such consolidation, and the largely increased number of prisoners, a great deal more work has been thrown on the officers of the continued gaols; whether the Government has received Memorials calling attention to the subject, and asking for an increase of pay in respect of the permanent extra work involved; and, whether they are prepared to give a favourable consideration and reply to such Memorials?
THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY (Colonel KING-HARMAN) (Kent, Isle of Thanet) (who replied)said: I have to answer the first three paragraphs of this Question in the affirmative. The Irish Government have favourably considered the matter; but some difficulties have arisen. It is, however, confidently anticipated that a final decision will be come to before the Estimates for the ensuing financial year are prepared.