HC Deb 28 May 1894 vol 24 cc1411-3
MR. GULLY (Carlisle)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether a Committee of Inquiry concerning Prisons has been appointed; and, if so, whether he can now state how it will be constituted, and what will be the terms of Reference?

MR. ASQUITH

The appointment of the Committee, which is now complete, is not to be regarded as implying any want of confidence in, still less any censure upon, the existing prison administration. The object is to obtain for the Secretary of State and the public authorities information on various important points, and to make any suggestions to which that information may point. The members of the Prison Committee are Mr. Herbert Gladstone, M.P. (Chairman), Sir Algernon West, K.C.B., Sir John Dorington, M.P., Mr. Haldane, Q.C., M.P., Miss Orme, Dr. J. H. Bridges, late of the Local Government Board, and Mr. de Rutzen, one of the Metropolitan Police Magistrates. The terms of Reference are as follows:—(a) The accommodation provided for prisoners, with special reference in the case of local prisons to the working of Section 17, Sub-section I, and Schedule I., Regulation 26, of the Prison Act, 1865; (b) the definition of "young" prisoners—whether and to what extent young or first offenders should be differently treated; (c) prison labour and occupation, with special reference to the moral and physical condition of the prisoners; (d) visits to and communications with prisoners, with special reference in the case of local prisons to Regulations 54–55; (e) prison offences, with special reference in the case of local prisons to Regulations 56–60.

MR. T. M. HEALY

Will the inquiry extend to convict prisons; is the appointment of the Committee now complete; and, in view of the fact that there was a want of confidence felt in the last Committee of Inquiry, can the right hon. Gentleman see his way to place an Irish Representative on the Committee?

MR. ASQUITH

The inquiry will extend to convict prisons. The Committee as constituted is a very impartial and able body, and I do not think it necessary to add to it.

MR. T. M. HEALY

But in view of the fact that considerable dissatisfaction was expressed with the Committee appointed three years ago in consequence of there being no Irish gentleman upon it, and as undoubtedly the Committee will have to inquire into complaints made by Irish prisoners at Portland and elsewhere, will the Home Secretary consider the desirability of strengthening the Committee by the addition of some one or more Irish gentlemen?

MR. ASQUITH

I will consider any suggestion the hon. Member may make.

MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)

Will the inquiry extend to Ireland?

MR. ASQUITH

No, Sir; it is a purely Departmental Committee, appointed by the Home Office to inquire into the administration of English prisons.