§ Mr. LARDNERasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, if he was aware that in the case of many of the Royal Irish Constabulary barracks in Ireland the cells are small stone-paved rooms, unheated by any moans, without windows other than slatted ventilators open at all seasons, provided only with a plain wooden couch without mattress or covering, and that as these cells are occupied by persons who have been arrested and not tried he would see that greater regard should be had for the health of the occupants, particularly during the winter season?
§ Mr. BIRRELLA cell or strong room is provided in every Constabulary barrack in Ireland. The description given of the cells is substantially accurate. They are places of temporary detention only, and as a rule prisoners are usually detained for a few hours. There is no reason to believe that the health of the persons detained suffers under the existing arrangements.
§ Mr. LARDNERIs it not the case that persons are kept in the cells all night in the winter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo, I am told that is very seldom, if ever.
§ Mr. LARDNERWill the right hon. Gentleman cause inquiry to be made?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI will make enquiry into it.