§ MR. PICKERSGILL (Bethnal Green, N.W.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Prison Commissioners are aware of the instructions which have been given by the Governor of Ipswich Gaol as to the treatment of unconvicted prisoners; whether there are any other prisons in England and Wales where similar instructions are in force; and whether he will take effectual steps to protect unconvicted prisoners and secure compliance with the law?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. MATTHEWS,) Birmingham, E.The Prison Commissioners became aware of the instructions referred to when the Governor was called upon to report in the recent case of "Flanagan v. Hulme." As soon as they became aware of them they immediately directed the Governor to issue amended instructions in. accordance with the Prison Rules. The Commissioners are not aware that any instructions not supported by the Rules are in force in any other prison. The hon. Member was informed, in the Debate on the Report stage of the Prison Vote, that the Inspectors at their monthly inspections would be directed to ascertain that in every prison the instructions of the Governor should be brought into conformity with the law.
§ MR. PICKERSGILLHas not Ipswich Gaol been the subject of inspection by the Prison Commissioners, and, notwithstanding that inspection, are not illegal practices being constantly carried out there?
§ MR. MATTHEWSUndoubtedly the Inspectors have been to some degree to blame in not having seen that the orders given by the Governor were in accordance with the Prison Regulations.