§ MR. WILES (Islington, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether complaints have been brought to his notice of the length of time certain prison officers known as trade instructors are compelled to stand on small platforms overlooking prisoners under their charge; and whether, having regard to the fact that several of these officials have suffered considerably from swollen veins and legs caused by such long periods of standing, he will cause 1087 stools to be provided for those who take this special kind of duty.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. GLADSTONE,) Leeds, W.No complaints of this nature have been brought to the notice of the Commissioners. Trade instructors do not stand on platforms, but walk about instructing prisoners. It would be quite impossible for them, or for any other officers, to carry out their duties properly if seated on stools. No reports of officers suffering from swollen veins or legs have been received for a very long time.