HC Deb 14 February 1895 vol 30 cc715-6
MR. T. HARRINGTON (Dublin, Harbour)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland—(l)whether the Trades Warders in Mountjoy Prison, who work at their trades from 6 a.m. to 6.15 p.m. for eight months of the year, and from 6.45 a.m. to 6.15 p.m. for four months, are required, in addition, to do duty as evening guards for three days in the week; (2) whether these men have also to do ordinary duty as warders on Sundays, and only get leave every third Sunday; and, (3) whether some are required to do night duty as well?

MR. J. MORLEY

The General Prisons Board informs me that none of the Trades Warders, in this prison, work at their trades for the length of time mentioned in the question. Work commences at about 7 a.m. in Summer, and 7.45 a.m. in Winter, and ceases at 5.45 p.m. all the year round. Two hours of the interval are allotted for meals, and half-an-hour for serving the food to the prisoners. In addition, all indoor trades get an hour's exercise daily. The Trades Warders are required to do duty as evening guards, amounting on an average to about six hours a week. The reply to the second and third paragraphs is in the affirmative. Night duty consists of about five hours once in every twelve nights, and those who perform it are allowed half the following day off duty.

MR. HARRINGTON

asked whether it was not the fact that, while other Warders were at liberty, the Trades Warders were either at work or engaged in supervision, and whether the right hon. Gentleman did not think that men who were continuously on duty for so many hours ought not to be relieved from night duty?

MR. J. MORLEY

was not sure whether the Trades Warders got the same hours of exercise as others, but he would find out. He could assure the hon. Member that the duties of the Warders were not excessive or prolonged.

DR. KENNY (Dublin, College Green)

asked whether a Return could be laid on the table, showing the number of hours worked by the Warders.

MR. J. MORLEY

said, he would consider the possibility of giving a Return, but the information it would contain would be the same as that given in the answer to the question.