§ 20. Mr. KINGasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether Irish prisoners without trial in English or Irish prisons are now allowed one visit in three months from a friend; whether this visit has been accorded in any case; if so, in how many; and is he aware that a majority of prisoners have declined this concession on account of the conditions connected with it?
§ Sir G. CAVEMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. He informs me that there are no untried prisoners in Irish prisons, if by "untried" the hon. Member means interned under Regulation 14B. The Irish prisoners interned in England are allowed a visit from not more than two near relations once in three months, and a few such visits have been paid. I am aware that some of the prisoners have declined to receive visits on account of the conditions attached thereto.
§ Mr. KINGIs it not the fact that this offer was made many weeks ago, and that only two have availed themselves of it; does not that mean they reject it altogether because of the conditions, that were 2282 intentionally, according to their view, onerous?
§ Sir G. CAVENot intentionally; in fact I believe more than two visits have been paid.