§ MR. REDMONDasked Mr. Attorney General for Ireland, Upon what grounds Mr. John O'Connor, of Cork, who has been imprisoned for nine months under the Coercion Act, was recently removed from Kilmainham to Clonmel Gaol; whether Mr. O'Connor had been previously transferred from Naas to Kilmainham, at the instance of his business employers, so that he might be able more conveniently to pursue his usual occupation; whether he was placed in a large cell by the Governor of Kilmainham, to afford him space and light to keep the books and ledgers appertaining to his business; whether the cell Mr. O'Connor now occupies in Clonmel is only five feet wide, and so dark that he is obliged to light a candle at noon to enable him to write; whether, in conse- 880 quence, he has been obliged to give up his business correspondence; whether Mr. P. J. Murphy, T.C. of Cork, who was arrested shortly after Mr. O'Connor, and on a similar charge, has been released for some months; and, whether, under these circumstances, he will order the release of Mr. O'Connor, or his transfer to Kilmainham, to enable him to carry on his business?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. W. M. JOHNSON)Mr. O'Connor was transferred to Clonmel Prison because it was considered necessary and expedient. The hon. Member will excuse me from giving any further reason. Mr. O'Connor had formerly been transferred from Naas to Kilmainham at the instance of his employers; and while in Kilmainham he was placed in the most convenient cell which could be appropriated to his use. I am informed that his cell in Clonmel is 13 feet by 5 feet 1 inch, and that there is sufficient light in it to read by; therefore, I should infer that there is sufficient light also to write by. Mr. Murphy, who was arrested two days before Mr. O'Connor, has been released, I understand, on his parole; and I am informed that Mr. O'Connor's case will be shortly reconsidered.