HC Deb 31 March 1882 vol 268 cc493-4
MR. JOSEPH COWEN

said, he wished to ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland a Question with regard to Mr. Dillon. It would be in the recollection of the House that Mr. Dillon was not a robust man. He was suffering from a hereditary illness, which was intensified by his confinement. Mr. Dillon was not a complaining or squeamish man, although the right hon. Gentleman (Mr. W. E. Forster) once called him a coward. Mr. Dillon had, he believed, made no request for release in consequence of ill- health; but he was a medical man, and as he (Mr. Cowen) was informed that, in his own judgment and that of his friends, Mr. Dillon's health was now in a serious condition, he wished to ask the Chief Secretary whether he had received any representation on the subject; and, if so, whether he was inclined to entertain it favourably?

MR. DAWSON

said, he had an opportunity of seeing Mr. Dillon a few days ago, and he could corroborate all that had been said as to the state of the hon. Member's health.

MR. W. E. FORSTER

I wish I had received Notice of this Question, for I should have brought down a Report of an independent medical man of considerable position as to the state of Mr. Dillon's health. The medical man examined Mr. Dillon, and certainly he gives a Report which is an encouraging one. He is better than he has been. But, apart from this, I have no objection to state here what I have stated before—and Mr. Dillon has been informed of it by one acting on my behalf—that the doors of Kilmainham are open to him if he is willing to go abroad.

MR. SEXTON

Would you state the name of the medical man?

MR. W. E. FORSTER

I cannot recollect it; but I know it is a gentleman of high position.

MR. JOSEPH COWEN

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that he will release Mr. Dillon if he goes abroad from Ireland or from the United Kingdom?

MR. W. E. FORSTER

Abroad from the United Kingdon.

MR. HEALY

Shame! you offer transportation.

MR. W. E. FORSTER

I am informed by his friends that it would be for the benefit of his health that he should go abroad. I again say if he likes to go to the Continent he can.