HC Deb 12 July 1888 vol 328 cc1099-100
MR. W. H. JAMES (Gateshead)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether the late Mr. John Mandeville was forcibly deprived of his clothes in Tullamore Gaol; and, whether he will consent to the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into the circumstances of his treatment during the time of his incarceration?

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

As Mr. Mandeville persistently refused to comply with the Prison Rules in regard to wearing prison clothes, his clothes were removed by warders. No more force was used than was absolutely necessary. As Mr. Mandeville was treated like any other prisoner under Rules sanctioned by Parliament, and practically identical with those in force in England, I see no reason for appointing a Select Committee to inquire into the circumstances of his treatment.

MR. SHEEHY (Galway, S.)

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House what is the Prison Rule which authorizes the Governor of a gaol to instruct his warders to use violence towards a prisoner in order to remove his clothes?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I imagine the Governor is bound to see that the Rule on this subject laid down in the ordinary Prison Regulations is carried into effect.

MR. BRUNNER (Cheshire, Northwich)

Would the right hon. Gentleman quote the words of the Act of Parliament under which that Rule is sanctioned?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

said, he was not able to do so at present.

THE LORD MAYOR OF DUBLIN (Mr. SEXTON) (Belfast, W.)

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Dr. Sigerson, who was a member of the late Royal Commission on Prison Treatment, has declared that there is no such Rule or law?

[No reply.]