§ MR. MACVEAGH (Down, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether any, and, if so, what arrangements have been made for the introduction of the Bertillon system into Irish prisons; whether it is intended to apply it in the cases of untried prisoners and of political prisoners; and, if not, whether steps will be taken to expressly warn untried prisoners that they are not bound to submit to the tests.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe system of taking measurements and finger prints has been adopted in Irish as in English prisons. In the case of an untried prisoner the statutory regulations provide that if no objection is made by him the measurements and finger impressions may be taken in the prescribed manner on the application of a policy officer. There is no class of prisoners known as "political prisoners" and the regulations 276 in force are identical with the English regulations. First-class misdemeanants are exempt from the regulations. The object of the system is to establish the identity and antecedents of prisoners. The identity of persons charged with offences falling within the category to which the hon. Member presumably refers is not a matter of doubt, and obviously, therefore, it would be unnecessary for the police to ask that their finger prints should be taken. There are no such prisoners in Ireland and the question of warning them, or the police, in the sense suggested, does not arise for consideration.
§ MR. MACVEAGHWill steps be taken to expressly warn untried prisoners that they are not bound to submit to the test
§ MR. WYNDHAMI do not think any such action is necessary.
§ MR. FLAVINThen will the right hon. Gentleman see that instructions are, given to the prison warders not to take photographs of untried prisoners. It can be done whether the prisoner consents or not. The police are very expert at that.
§ [No Answer was returned.]