HC Deb 23 March 1882 vol 267 cc1653-4
MR. SEXTON

asked the Attorney General for Ireland, Whether it is true that, on or about the 15th ultimo, Mr. John M'Cormack, a prisoner under the Coercion Act in Clonmel Gaol, submitted to the Governor of that gaol a letter addressed to the Member for Sligo, and the Governor brought the letter back to Mr. M'Cormack, informing him that he could not take it upon himself to forward it, "as it contained charges against the police in Tipperary," but that he would send it on to Dublin Castle, and the authorities there would decide if it should be forwarded or not; what became of the said letter; whether it is the determination or wish of the Executive that letters addressed to Members of Parliament, and containing complaints against the police, shall not be delivered to the persons to whom they are addressed; and, whether the Chief Secretary for Ireland has considered the propriety, in every case in which a letter written by, or addressed to a "suspect," is detained by the prison or Dublin Castle authorities, of informing the writer of the fact?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. W. M. JOHNSON)

Sir, Mr. M'Cormack submitted to the Governor of Clonmel Prison a letter addressed to the senior Member for Sligo, and was informed that the Governor could not take on himself to forward it; but would send it on to the authorities at the Castle. Accordingly he did so; and they still have the letter, I suppose. It certainly is not the determination or wish of the Executive that any letter addressed to a Member of Parliament, or anyone else, whether containing complaints against the police or any other complaint, shall not be delivered to the person to whom it may be addressed. Each case must be, and is, considered and determined by its own circumstances. The last inquiry in the Question of the hon. Member is addressed to the Chief Secretary for Ireland personally; and I must request him, therefore, to put it to my right hon. Friend when he is in his place.

MR. SEXTON

asked if the right hon. and learned Gentleman would inquire where the letter addressed to him now was?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. W. M. JOHNSON)

Sir, the case is governed by the prison rules. I will make inquiries respecting the letter, and communicate with the hon. Member.