§ MR. R. ASCROFT (Oldham)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that nine operatives, who were sentenced on the 28th of June at the Bradford Quarter Sessions to one month's imprisonment, and who have been since released, were all fastened together with a chain and taken through the streets of Bradford, and also through the streets of Wakefield; and whether it is in accordance with the law that such a, course should lie adopted?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEY,) Lancashire, BlackpoolIt is true that these men, while being removed to Wakefield prison after their conviction, were, for security, attached to a light chain; but they were not taken through the public streets either at Bradford or Wakefield. At the former place the station adjoins the Court house, and at the latter a private road connects the station and the prison. A light chain is usually employed for securing prisoners who are being transferred from one place to another. It is the least conspicuous and offensive means that can be adopted and is sanctioned by the prison rules.