§ Lord Wharncliffemoved, that the Pentonville Prison Bill be read a second time.
§ Lord Colbornewished to call the noble Lord's attention to a very able report which had been made by Dr. Baillie on the subject to which this bill related. It was full of the most valuable information respecting the working of the system of solitary confinement. Dr. Baillie set forth many instances in which solitary imprison 884 ment had not only failed in its object, but in which it had produced the most serious consequences. He hoped the noble Lord would allow that report to be printed, and a copy of it laid on the Table.
§ Lord Wharncliffehad not had an opportunity of reading the report which his noble Friend referred to. He was aware, that there was a considerable difference between separate confinement and solitary confinement, and he was certainly inclined to give a preference to the former. He would, however, read Dr. Baillie's report, and give the subject full consideration before their Lordships went into committee on the bill.
§ The Duke of Richmondentertained very considerable doubt whether a perfect and entire separation of prisoners was a system that ought to be maintained in this country. There ought, however, to be so much separation as would prevent parties from contaminating one another. He was of opinion, too, that mischief resulted from persons being imprisoned for too long a period. He believed, that the great secret of imprisonment was, that men should come out of prison smarting under the punishment that had been inflicted upon them while there, and that they should not remain there long enough to be familiarised with it. The present bill might do good if its operations were narrowly watched by the Secretary of State for the Home Department.
§ Bill read a second time.
§ Their Lordships adjourned.