§ 23. Mr. DEVLINasked the Home Secretary whether the result of the inquiry made by the prison authorities into the treatment accorded to Mr. R. C. Barton, M. P., a prisoner in Portland Prison, by the governor of the prison was to show that the governor had exceeded his powers in the punishment of Mr. Barton; whether he has since been removed from the governorship of Portland Prison and sent to Nottingham Prison, a second-class establishment; and whether Mr. Barton's health has suffered severely from the treatment given him?
Sir J. D. REESBefore the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, is he aware that neither the prison, nor any other establishment in Nottingham, can properly be described as a second-class establishment?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe punishment in question was awarded by the Board of Visitors in the ordinary course, and not by the governor. It was a proper punishment for the offence, and within their statutory powers. The governor has been transferred from Portland to Nottingham in the same rank, because Portland will cease to be a convict prison. The transfer had no reference whatever to Barton's case. Barton's health has not suffered, and is reported to be good.