§ MR. M. HEALY (for Mr. T. M. HEALY,) Longford, N.I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland what is the present condition of Mr. John Cullinane in Tullamore Gaol; and how was it the prison doctor mistook his disease for influenza, when he was suffering from acute typhoid?
§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)also asked whether it is a fact that Mr. John Cullinane, P.L.G., at present in Tullamore Gaol, is suffering from typhoid fever; if so, why, and on what specific medical authority, was it stated that he was suffering from influenza; whether typhoid fever is, or has recently been, existent in Tullamore Gaol; and what means are, or have been, adopted to stop it?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURWith the permission of the House I will reply to both of these questions at the same time. The General Prisons Board report that Mr. Cullinane is at present suffering from typhoid fever. It was stated at first to be severe influenza on the authority of the medical member of the Board, as the suddenness of the attack and the other symptoms at the outset resembled much more influenza than typhoid fever. Typhoid fever exists in Tullamore Prison; most of the cases began on the same day. Amongst other means adopted to prevent the extension of the disease have been the use of disinfectants and the boiling of the water and milk used. The Report received today from the prison is that all the patients are doing well.
§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)When typhoid fever broke out in the prison how many persons were there, and how many were attacked? Will the prisoners who have not been attacked be allowed to remain in the prison?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI must ask the hon. Member to give notice of his questions.
§ MR. SEXTONBut this is really a very serious question. Will they be removed from the scene of the infection?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOUROf course, I am aware that it is a serious matter, but the patients, as I have stated, are all doing well, and there is no apprehension of any fatal result.
§ MR. MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that typhoid fever broke out in Londonderry Gaol, and that three prisoners died before they could be removed?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURMy recollection of the fact is somewhat different. I should like to have notice of the question.
§ MR. M. HEALYDo I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that the statement that Mr. Cullinane had influenza was made not on the authority of the medical officer of the prison, but on that of a member of the Prisons Board? What was the opinion of the medical officer of the prison?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI have no information that will enable me to answer these questions, and am, therefore, obliged to ask for notice.
MR. MAC NEILLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, according to the Attorney General for Ireland, it was a mistake of the medical officer to call the complaint influenza?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI believe the medical member of the Board came to the conclusion that it was influenza, but subsequently it showed itself to be typhoid fever.