HC Deb 08 April 1889 vol 334 cc1800-1
MR. SEXTON

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he can now communicate the names of the Commissioners to inquire into prison treatment, and the terms of the directions upon which they are to act?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I am sorry to say I cannot yet give the right hon. Gentleman a more satisfactory answer Negotiations are proceeding for the appointment of a Chairman of the Committee, but have not yet been brought to a successful conclusion.

MR. SEXTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman also inform the House whether the acceptance of these rules will be discretionary, and will he indicate the principles on which they will be enforced, and will he intimate to prison officials the force to be given to the rules?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The general principles on which the rules will be enforced are pretty much as was laid down in the recent debate on the Bill affecting the treatment of so-called political prisoners in Ireland. If, however, the right hon. Gentleman will put a question on the Paper, I will answer it on Monday.