HC Deb 27 November 1893 vol 18 cc1797-8
MR. POWELL WILLIAMS (Birmingham, S.)

In the absence of the hon. Member for the Sudbury Division of Sussex, I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that, notwithstanding the assurance given by his predecessor on the 23rd of May, 1892, and his own statement on the 15th of March last, mats are being supplied from Chester Prison to a firm in that city, and that nose-bags arc being made in Winchester Prison and supplied to private firms, thus continuing the interference with free labour?

MR. ASQUITH

Chester Prison is a military prison, and it is not under the jurisdiction of the Home Secretary, and was not, therefore, included in the statements referred to. I am, however, informed that there are not more than six prisoners at Chester employed in mat- making. At Winchester there are only two prisoners employed in making nosebags.