§ MR. JOHN O'CONNOR (Tipperary, S.)asked the Solicitor General for Ireland whether he was able to state to the House the names of the Gentlemen whom he is going to appoint to investigate the rules of prison discipline, with a view to their modification in certain cases; and, whether, pending their Report, he would see that no prisoner in Ireland undergoing a sentence for offences against the Criminal Law and Procedure Act will be punished by solitary confinement or bread and water diet for the non-performance of menial offices, or for refusing to take exercise with criminals found guilty under other Acts?
§ *MR. MADDENI am not yet in a position to make any statement on behalf of the Government on the subject of this 384 question; but I may say the Government are in communication with representatives of the English, Scotch, and Irish prison departments with the view of forming an opinion on the points raised in the speech of the Chief Secretary on Wednesday. With regard to the second paragraph of the hon. Member's question, it is not the view of the Irish Government that Crimes Act prisoners, as such, are entitled to any relaxation of prison rules.
§ MR. O'CONNORWill the inquiry be conducted entirely by writing, or will evidence be taken?
§ *MR. MADDENI am unable to give an answer to the question, but the whole matter will receive careful consideration. I am not able to say yet what the course of procedure will be.
§ MR. O'CONNORAre we to understand that no change will be made in the condition of the prisoners in Ireland pending the result of the inquiry?
§ MR. MADDENI have not stated that no change will be made pending inquiry.
§ MR. SEXTONHave the Government yet resolved to apply Section 11 of the Act of 1887 to the whole of the inquiry including the treatment of Mr. William O'Brien?
§ *MR. MADDENThe right hon. Gentleman will kindly give me notice of the question.