§ Mr. LONSDALE (for Mr. Moore)asked the Chief Secretary if he will state whether it is the intention of the Irish Government to close Kilmainham Prison; and if regard has been had to the fact that the prison population in Ireland during the past three months has been considerably over the normal limit?
§ Mr. BIRRELLIt is not proposed to close Kilmainham Prison formally, but the prisoners now confined therein are to be transferred to Mountjoy Prison, the prison buildings at Kilmainham being retained for use in emergencies, such as winter assizes. It is true that the number of prisoners in Ireland during the past few months has been rather higher than usual, but the accommodation in local prisons in Ireland, exclusive of Kilmainham, is sufficient for all probable contingencies.
§ Mr. JOHN O'CONNORMight I ask whether the emergency contemplated by the right hon. Gentleman is such as may arise under coercion should hon. Members above the Gangway come into power?
§ Mr. BIRRELLMy vision takes the very widest range.