§ 59. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Home Secretary whether the disciplinary sentence upon Convict Conmy, living in 2067 chains for six months for having broken prison, can be reviewed in consideration of the severity of the punishment?
§ Mr. SHORTTAn order was given by a Director of Convict. Prisons that Conmy should be restrained by chains weighing about seven pounds fastened round his ankles and to a belt round his waist. It is done as a precaution against escape. The question of abolishing the system is under consideration. I am in consultation with the Prison Commissioners as to the immediate removal of the restraint from Conmy. No other prisoner is so restrained.
Mr. FOOTApart from the intervention of the right hon. Gentleman, how long would such punishment continue? Is it true that such punishment was to continue in this case for six months?
§ Mr. SHORTTNot necessarily. The Regulation permits its continuance for six months, but I am informed that it is very rarely continued for anything approaching that time.