§ 27. Mr. LYNNasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that for the past two years Irish prison officers generally have been called upon to perform special and extra duties consequent on the institution of a new class of prisoners imprisoned under the Defence of the Realm Act and the granting of special ameliorations to that class; that those ameliorations comprise long hours of additional exercise on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as permission to remain outside their cells after the scheduled hour of evening lock-up; that such exercise and liberty involve extra duty on the staffs and, at the present moment, are delaying the application of the eight-hour day to the Irish warders which has been working in the English Prisons Service since 1st May; and will he now take immediate steps to give special consideration and recognition to this body of servants who have in very trying times proved themselves loyal and faithful servants?
Mr. HENRYThe institution of a new class of prisoners under the Defence of the Realm Act in receipt of ameliorative treatment has of necessity thrown additional work on the prison staffs, but when possible relief is given in respect of additional hours of duty. The application of the eight-hours day to Irish prison staffs is not being delayed thereby.