HC Deb 16 June 1890 vol 345 cc1038-40
MR. CONYBEARE

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the warders in English prisons are required during the hours when they are off duty to appear in uniform outside the prison walls?

MR. MATTHEWS

I am informed by the Prison Directors that there is an Order requiring the warders in English Convict Prisons when off duty to appear in uniform outside the prison walls. No General Order has been made by the Prison Commissioners on the subject applicable to local prisons. I am not aware that the practice entails any hardship on the men.

MR. CONYBEARE

Is the Rule universally enforced?

MR. MATTHEWS

So far as I am aware it is.

MR. CONYBEARE

I will now ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieu tenant of Ireland whether he will consent to receive evidence from warders in Irish prisons showing that the Rule which re quires them always to be in uniform, even when off duty does entail hardship upon them; and whether, if particular facts are laid before him, he will indemnify any warders who may give such, evidence against dismissal or other punishment?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The General Prisons Board report that they entertain no doubt whatever that the present arrangement is not attended with any hardship.

MR. CONYBEARE

I can give the right hon. Gentleman evidence that it does entail hardship. If the facts are laid before him, will he indemnify warders who may give evidence and guarantee them against the brutal ill-treatment of the Prisons Board? I must press this question.

MR. SPEAKER

The hon. Member can lay his facts before the right hon. Gentleman.

MR. CONYBEARE

But I am asking facilities for bringing the facts forward.

MR. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must be aware there is nothing to prevent his laying his facts before the right hon. Gentleman.

MR. CONYBEARE

I will repeat my question another day.

MR. P. O'BRIEN

Is it not a fact that the rule was not enforced until a suit of clothes was taken into prison to Mr. W. O'Brien?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I do not know whether that statement of the date is accurate.

MR. P. O'BRIEN

I was in prison at the time, and I know it to be the fact.