§ 10. Mr. WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the disciplinary sentences passed on the wounded convicts Bannister and Morris to wear chains for six months; whether this punishment comes before him for review; what opportunities the convicts had to call evidence as to their treatment before their attempt to escape; and how many convicts in our penal establishments are at present wearing chains?
§ Mr. ELLIS GRIFFITHThe wearing of leg chains is not a punitive measure; the chains are light and do not restrict the prisoner's movement further than to 754 hamper him slightly in any attempt to escape. If the Governor considers it necessary as a measure of security, he may make a recommendation to the Directors of Convict Prisons, who are empowered by Rule 142 to issue an order for the purpose. Such an order has been made in the case of the two convicts, but as they are at present in close confinement as part of a punishment awarded by the Board of Visitors, there is no need in the meantime for the order to be put in effect. There are at present three other convicts wearing leg chains. Rule 142 provides that every prisoner having a complaint to make shall have ample facilities, either personally to the Governor, the Directors, or the Board of Visitors, or by petition to the Secretary of State. If ill-treatment is-alleged, it would be within the discretion of the authority hearing the complaint to call such witnesses as the prisoner might wish to call in support of his complaint.