HC Deb 19 April 1888 vol 324 cc1738-9
MR. CLANCY (Dublin Co., N.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether his attention has been called to a statement of Mr. John Sweeney, lately an untried prisoner in Galway Gaol, in which he complains that, on his arrival in Galway Gaol, his religious emblems were taken from him by the warders, though afterwards restored at the Governor's orders; that his suspenders were taken away, and that he only retained possession of his frieze coat after a severe struggle with the warders; and that, to prevent his clothes being taken from him in the night, he was obliged to sleep without undressing; and, whether he will cause an inquiry to be made into the truth of these allegations? In putting this Question I desire to point out that the summary of the declaration of the prisoner, as given in the Question, is not mine, and that I gave the original statement—

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! There is a reason why it was summarised. It was that the Question of the hon. Member extended over two pages of foolscap, and it was almost impossible to put down a Question of that length; and as fair a summary as was thought possible was substituted.

MR. CLANCY

I do not desire to dispute the statement, Sir, that it extended over two pages of foolscap; but it was very loosely written, and my impression is that it would not have occupied very much more space than the present summary on the paper.

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)

It appears that the man in question was searched on entering the prison according to the invariable practice. His religious emblems were removed, but were soon afterwards restored by the Governor. There was no struggle with the warders, but Sweeney used very abusive language. There was not the slightest intention of removing his clothes during the night.

MR. EDWARD HARRINGTON (Kerry, W.)

With regard to this practice of depriving prisoners of their suspenders, ostensibly to prevent their hanging themselves, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that while suspenders are denied to prisoners, they are allowed handkerchiefs and neckties, with which they could perform the operation of strangulation as well?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I am afraid these are details of prison administration with which I am not familiar; but if the hon. Gentleman will put a Question on the Paper about suspenders and handkerchiefs, I shall be very glad to answer him.

MR. EDWARD HARRINGTON

If the right hon. Gentleman requires any special information I will provide it for him.

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

MR. CLANCY

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, whether the acts which he admits were committed are not illegal acts as against an untried prisoner; and, if so, whether he will inquire into the matter, so as to prevent the recurrence of these illegalities in the future?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I have inquired into the matter, and it is in consequence of my inquiry that I have given my answer to the hon. Gentleman. I suppose that if there have been illegalities it is in the power of the prisoner to have his remedy at law.

MR. CLANCY

Then are we to understand that Governors of Irish Prisons may perpetrate illegalities at their pleasure?

[No reply.]