§ 8. Mr. BAILEYasked the Home Secretary whether he can make a statement as to the present position of discipline in Manchester prison?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThere is nothing in the present position of discipline in Manchester prison which calls for any statement by me, but I am glad to have the opportunity of contradicting statements published in certain newspapers in regard to a recent incident which are grossly exaggerated or untrue in almost every particular. They appear to have been made on information furnished by an ex-prisoner who seems to have given a garbled account of an incident when one prisoner, who was under mental observation, smashed some panes of glass and a few prisoners shouted as he was being removed by prison officers. On being ordered to do so these prisoners went quietly and obediently to their cells. Disciplinary action has been taken by the Visiting Committee against five prisoners in respect of the incident, which was in no way connected with any complaints against food. There has been no other disturbance, no refusal to work, no application for police help, and no person has been injured.
§ Mr. O'CONNORCan the right hon. Gentleman give the name of the newspapers that circulated the report?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI understand that it was circulated in the "Daily Dispatch" and, I believe, also in the "Evening Chronicle."
§ Mr. DAVID GRENFELLNot the "Daily Herald" this time.