HC Deb 05 February 1891 vol 350 cc17-8
MR. FLYNN

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland what (if any) are the circumstances calculated to interfere with the prison discipline at Clonmel Gaol in the case of John Long, editor of the Nationalist newspaper; and is Mr. Long, as a bail prisoner, afforded any facilities in Kilkenny Gaol for receiving visits from relatives or friends?

MR. MADDEN

The transfer was made in pursuance of the general practice explained in my answer to the previous question on this subject put by the hon. Member on the 2nd instant, and to which I have nothing to add. The General Prisons Board report that bail prisoners in Kilkenny Prison are afforded like facilities as in any other prison in Ireland to receive visits from their friends in accordance with Prison Rules.

MR. CHANCE (Kilkenny, S.)

I beg to ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman whether he is aware that Mr. Long is confined to his cell for 22 hours each day; and, if so, under what regulation this is done; and that he is also prevented from writing or receiving any communication referring to his journalistic business, although at his trial the prosecuting solicitor called upon the Magistrates to take a note of his admission of responsibility for the management of his newspaper, the Nationalist; and whether he can see his way to recommend any modification of this treatment?

MR. MADDEN

The General Prisons Board report that this prisoner gets the usual two hours' exercise per day allowed to prisoners of his class under 7 George IV., Cap. 74, Section 109, Subsection 9, further relaxation not being considered necessary on medical grounds. The prisoner is imprisoned in respect of intimidation contained in publications in his newspaper. When at Clonmel Prison the Governor appears to have informed him that no communications, of an improper character would be permitted to go in or out of the prison-Since then the Board have not had any application from the prisoner for permission to edit his newspaper.

MR. CHANCE

Am I to understand that Mr. Long is prevented from receiving and replying to communications in reference to his journalistic work?

MR. MADDEN

No, Sir; certainly not.

MR. CHANCE

Has not the Chief Secretary the power of modifying the treatment to which Mr. Long has been, subjected?

MR. MADDEN

No, Sir.