§ MR. T. D. SULLIVANasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If the authorities in Dublin have received medical reports which testify that Mr. James Higgins, who is confined as a suspect in Kilmainham Gaol, is suffering from a dangerous disease of the heart; and, whether, under these circumstances, he will order the speedy release of Mr. Higgins?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTER, in reply, said, since Notice of the Question was given he had telegraphed for further information respecting Mr. Higgins's health. The medical officer of the prison stated that he was suffering from excited action of the heart; but the disease had not been caused or aggravated by confinement, and was not likely to prove dangerous. He would, however, make further inquiries.
§ MR. HEALYasked whether the threatening letter for which Mr. Higgins was supposed to be imprisoned was not a friendly letter advising a person in the locality to give up a farm he had taken, for the sake of the peace of the neighbourhood, and that the person addressed subsequently stated that he was in no way intimidated?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERsaid, he must remind the hon. Member that he could not state the grounds on which the arrest had been made. Notice might be given of the Question; but he could give no other answer.