21. Mr. HAZLETONasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received representations from various public bodies in the county Galway protesting against the reported intention to close Galway Gaol for present purposes 416 and convert it into a bridewell; and whether these representations will receive favourable consideration?
§ Mr. DUKERepresentations have been received in the sense mentioned. It is not intended to convert Galway Prison into a bridewell, but to make it a minor prison. This reduction was decided on after full consideration by the Irish Prisons Board as part of a general scheme of war economy and by reason of a great decline in the number of prisoners. Four prisons in all were involved. The matter is open to reconsideration if circumstances should so require.