HC Deb 26 March 1889 vol 334 cc839-40
MR. MAC NEILL

asked the Solicitor General for Ireland if he could state why the two untried female prisoners from Gweedore, Margaret Cull and Annie Doherty, who were on Friday week, notwithstanding the remonstrance of the Rev. J. Doherty, the Prison Chaplain, deprived by the Governor of Derry Gaol of warm clothing provided for them for the journey between Derry and Letterkenny, were again deprived last Saturday of dresses and hats provided for them by friends; whether, in spite of the promise of the Solicitor General, the Governor, while allowing them shawls, refused to permit them to wear the hats and warm dresses so provided for them; whether they were obliged to go from Derry to Letterkenny bareheaded and badly clothed in inclement weather, though sufficient clothing was sent into the prison for their use; had he given directions to the Prisons Board to entertain in the future communications coming from chaplains of prisons relative to the welfare of prisoners directly, without the intervention of the Governors; and what reply had the Prisons Board made to these communications?

MR. MADDEN

With reference to the specific matters of fact referred to in the question, I have called for a Report. The question has only appeared on the Paper to-day; but I may say that I ascertained that the Prisons Board had given directions to the Governor of the gaol that warm clothing supplied to these female prisoners should be allowed to be worn by them. I cannot answer the question any further.

MR. MAC NEILL

As these females have been further remanded until Thursday, and as one of them has a baby in her arms, will the hon. and learned Gentleman undertake that if they are supplied with warm clothing they shall be allowed to wear it?

MR. MADDEN

Orders have been given, and I have not the least doubt that they will be supplied with warm clothing.

MR. MAC NEILL

I must press the matter. On the last occasion I entreated that the Governor might be directed to allow these poor women to wear the clothing offered to be supplied them, but I am informed that he refused.

MR. MADDEN

The instructions which have been given are that warm clothing is to be allowed, and I have no doubt that those instructions will be carried out.