§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the death of one William Morris at Wandsworth Prison; how long it has been the custom of leaving tools in the cells at night; whether it was introduced on the ground that it would entail the labour of two extra men to collect tools in each wing of the prison; whether he will inform the House of the number of complaints made 1654W by debtors and other prisoners at Brixton Prison during the months of March and April concerning the food and short rations; whether a debtor prisoner during the year at Brixton, named Fuller, was severely punished by the acting-Governor for having in his possession a periodical called "John Bull"; will he say what was the punishment; whether he will inform the House the number of days the Governor has been absent from the gaol; what is his salary; and will he give the number of prison inspections made during the year at Brixton Prison by Government inspectors?
§ Mr. McKENNAMy attention has been called to the case. Small tools have been left in the cells overnight, since 1st April last, except in cases where the Governor thought they might be misused. The reason for this rule was to facilitate arrangements for reducing the hours of work of the officers. During April and May one prisoner in Brixton complained of his food once, and another four times—both were debtors. No case can be traced where any debtor of the name of Fuller has been punished in Brixton prison during the past twelve months. The Governor was absent on leave for forty-four days, and for some months during a vacancy the Deputy-Governor acted as Governor. The Governor's salary is £500, rising by increments to £650. During the last twelve months the prison has been inspected on six occasions by inspectors, and has been visited by an inspector on two or three other occasions.