§ MR. HAZELLI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the chaplain of Holloway Prison has been appointed to another post, and that there is only an assistant chaplain, with the occasional help of an outside curate 1227 to care for and advise about 12,000 Protestant prisoners a year; and that many of the prisoners, especially those awaiting trial, greatly depend upon the chaplain's advice in their special circumstances; and will he arrange for an appointment to be made without delay?
§ SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEYOn a recommendation of the Prison Commissioners, particulars as to which the hon. Member will find on p. 33 of the "Observations" of the Commissioners which I laid on the Table of the House, I appointed the present chaplain of Holloway to the post of chaplain inspector. The duties attaching to the post are in addition to his existing duties and will not, it is hoped, involve his absence from the prison to any great extent. Arrangements have, however, been made for the appointment on any occasion when he is absent of a second assistant chaplain to act as his substitute. I am satisfied that the interests of prisoners will in this way be fully secured, and that the new arrangement is one generally to the public advantage.