HC Deb 18 June 1902 vol 109 cc975-6
MR. CONDON (Tipperary, E.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland—(1) whether Mr. Corr, now a prisoner in Clonmel Gaol, under the Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act, applied on 16th May to the medical officer of the gaol for an hour's additional exercise on the ground of ill-health caused by continued confinement in his cell; (2) whether the doctor replied that he was a bail prisoner and could leave when he liked, and that if he were in another class it would be a different matter; (3) whether the governor told the doctor Mr. Corr could not leave as he was undergoing another sentence running concurrently with the bail sentence; (4) whether the doctor refused the application; (5) whether Mr. Corr is still in solitary confinement; and (6) whether medical officers of prisons are entitled, under the prison rules, to differentiate in their treatment of prisoners, whether bail or otherwise.

MR. WYNDHAM

The application made by the prisoner on the 17th (not 16th) May was not made on the ground of ill-health. He complained of the confinement, but stated he was in good health, a statement with which the medical officer concurred. The doctor observed it would be desirable to give bail if he required greater freedom, as, unless on medical grounds, he could not interfere with prison rules. The doctor has no recollection of making a reference to his being in another class. The reply to the third query is in the affirmative. In reply to the fourth query, the doctor did not recommend an extension of exercise, inasmuch as he was unable to do so on medical grounds. The prisoner is in solitary confinement only in the sense that he occupies, like all other prisoners, a separate cell. He is exercised in association with other prisoners of his class in the open air for two hours daily. In reply to the concluding inquiry, medical officers are not so authorised, except on medical grounds. Bail prisoners are subject to the same rules as prisoners awaiting trial.

MR. CONDON

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the governor of the prison in whose presence Corr alleges that the doctor made the statement complained of, viz., that "if he were in another class it would be a different matter."

MR. WYNDHAM

I have given the hon. Member the doctor's recollection of what occurred. I do not think it would serve any public advantage to push the matter further.

MR. CONDON

But that is the kernel of my Question. I will ask it again.