MR. T. M. HEALYI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any inquiry, departmental or otherwise, has been held into the working of Prisoners' Aid Societies; and, whether such inquiry extends to the operation of such societies in Ireland, if so, what evidence has been called from that country?
§ SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEYYes, Sir, such an inquiry has been made by Mr. Merrick, the Chaplain of Holloway Prison, whose report is expected shortly. The inquiry was undertaken in consequence of the recommendation of the Committee appointed by my predecessor to report on the English prison system, and did not extend to Ireland.