§ Mr. NANNETTIasked the Chief Secretary whether he is prepared to give the Irish prison warders the same grade and pay as the English, Scotch, and Welsh prison warders, the Irish prison warders numbering about 400, while in Great Britain prison warders number about ten times that number; whether he is aware that last year the Prisons Board saved over £4,000; and whether, in view of the desirability of putting the prison service on an equality and the saving of last year, he will put the prison service of Ireland on the same footing as the service in Great Britain?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe scales of pay of the Irish prison warders, who number about 350, were substantially and generously increased in 1908. The surplus on the Vote for 1909–1910 was £4,358. The Government has never admitted the principle that there should be the same scales of pay for prison officers in Ireland as in Great Britain. The ranks, duties, increments, rate of promo- 591W tion and posts carrying extra emolument are quite different and admit of no definite comparison.
§ Mr. NANNETTIasked the Chief Secretary the number of prisons, minor prisons, and bridewells closed in Ireland since the present chairman, Mr. Gibbons, took over the charge of the General Prisons Board; what was the number of clerks and others then employed in the offices of the Prisons Board, and their positions and salaries; whether he will give the amount of their present salaries; if any additional appointments have been made; if so, state the positions and salaries; can he state the reason for the increase of Mr. Medcalf's salary; what qualification has Mr. Abraham to fill the position of architect; has he any indentures or knowledge of drafting; and whether, in order to safeguard trade unions, the General Prisons Board will, in future, when appointing trades warders, see that those appointed have indentures?
§ Mr. BIRRELLFive prisons, six minor prisons, ten bridewells, and one lock-up have been closed in Ireland since the appointment of the present chairman in 1895. Information as to the staff of the General Prisons Board and salaries will be found on page 312 of the Estimates for 1895–96, and on page 128 of the Estimates for 1911–12. The duties of the medical member of the Board are now performed by the inspector of reformatory and industrial schools, who receives £250 for these services. The other changes in the staff during the period referred to by the hon. Member can be obtained by comparison of the Estimates for 1895–6 with those for the current year. Mr. Medcalf's salary was increased in 1899, on his appointment to the new office of Controller of Industries. Mr. Abraham does not fill the position of architect, but that of clerk of works. He is a competent clerk of works and has the requisite knowledge of drafting. He has obtained a certificate of qualification for this post from the Civil Service Commissioners. No trade warders are now appointed to the Prisons Service. The present system is to appoint competent warders with special allowances.