§ MR. BLANE (Armagh, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if it be true that the warders in Londonderry Prison are kept 16 hours per day on duty, and to keep watch during two nights every week; if it be true that the tradesmen 301 warders are kept marching prisoners in a ring whilst work and repairs are given to contract; and if the General Prisons Board will remedy the matter, if true?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR, Manchester, E.)The General Prisons Board report that the allegations in the first paragraph of this question are not true. Warders in Londonderry Prison are on duty only nine hours and 25 minutes per week day, with 3¼ hours evening duty twice in the week. Night guard comes only every fifth night. The warder is off duty for eight hours before going on night guard, and for seven hours upon coining off that guard. The Board also report that the allegation in the second paragraph is without foundation.