HC Deb 21 June 1888 vol 327 cc807-8
MR. O'HANLON (Cavan, E.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he is aware that there is inside the main entrance to Londonderry Gaol a large hall and also a large waiting room formerly used by visitors; whether he is aware that people who go there to visit their political friends are first asked their business, and then are ordered by an official to the street to wait there for a very long time; and, whether he will say if he has given those instructions to the Governor; and, if not, will he explain by whom they were given?

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

The General Prisons Board report that for a few days visitors were not admitted inside the outer door of the prison while waiting. Such instructions were not issued by the Board, the Governor having acted on a suggestion made by the Inspector of Prisons. On learning the fact, on the 18th, the Prisons Board at once issued directions to the Governor to resume the former practice of giving visitors immediate admission, there being ample accommodation for them in the large entrance hall and in the office.