§ MR. SEXTONMay I ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether it is convenient for him to say now what progress he has made with the inquiry which he promised on the Second Reading of the Prisoners' (Ireland) Bill, in reference to the treatment of prisoners under the Coercion Act?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI have no hesitation in stating that I have had a more or less informal communication with representatives of the Irish, Scotch, and English Prisons Boards; and I am inclined to think that the best plan will be to ask them to serve on the Committee, and to add two other persons who will have the confidence of the public, to make a report with regard to certain views I expressed on Wednesday week.
§ MR. SEXTONWill the right hon. Gentleman be able to communicate to 855 the House the terms of the Instruction to the Committee?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI think so; I will consider that point.
§ MR. CLANCYWill Mr. Burke, the Chairman of the Prisons Board, be a Member of that Committee?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURHe will, of course.
§ MR. J. O'CONNORWill evidence be taken?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOUROh, that, of course, will depend on the Committee.