§ 33. Mr. FLAVINasked the Home Secretary whether he will make arrangements with the prison authorities at Lewes so as to allow the three Irish lady prisoners who are confined there to be allowed to take reasonable outdoor exercise under proper supervision outside the prison grounds?
Mr. SAMUELI regret that I am unable to accede to this request. The Commandant at Lewes reports to me that the prisoners in question look very well and sit out in the open all day, and are able, if they desire, to get walking exercise in the exercise ground. The medical officer reports that all three are in excellent health. I would add that as the wing at Lewes Prison, of which these ladies are the sole occupants, is needed for other purposes, I have arranged for their transfer to Aylesbury, where other ladies are interned' under Regulation 14B.
§ Mr. FLAVINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these ladies are quite satisfied with their treatment in Lewes, and if they are satisfied, is it at their request they are transferred?
Mr. SAMUELThey are not being transferred at their own request, but for the reason I have mentioned that the wing which these ladies occupy at Lewes is needed for other purposes, they are being transferred to Aylesbury, where they will receive treatment on the same lines.
§ Mr. KINGIs it not a fact that the German ladies are in a large preponderance at Aylesbury, and is it not rather unfair to send the Irish ladies to be confined with these German ladies 1
Mr. SAMUELThere is classification at Aylesbury. Arrangements are made for the ladies to be together in groups.
§ Mr. GINNELLHas it been definitely decided never to give these ladies what they have applied for—a trial under the ordinary law?