§ MR. SEXTONasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether, following up their decision in reference to the magisterial functions of Mr. Clifford Lloyd, the Irish Executive would consider the cases of the ladies imprisoned in Ireland under the Statute of 1360, 34 Edward III. c. 1; and, whether, upon his return after the Whitsuntide holidays, the right hon. Gentleman would be able to make a statement on the subject?
§ MR. BARRYsaid, he would like to have an assurance from the Government that they would consider the question of releasing all the "suspects" now detained in prison.
§ MR. TREVELYANsaid, that with regard to the release of the "suspects," the Government were always glad to have the cases of all persons detained brought before them. The circumstances under which they were confined, and the effect of their release on the districts in which they resided, were now pretty well known to the Government, and careful inquiries were always going on. The hon. Member was aware that within the last fortnight a large number had been released, and every case to which reference was made would certainly be inquired into. With regard to the ladies imprisoned under the Act of 1360, he would state the decision of the Government, whatever it might be, as soon as possible.
§ MR. HEALYasked if it were the fact that 300 men were still in gaol, and that the number released was only 50 or 60?
§ MR. TREVELYANsaid, that the hon. Member had correctly stated the number in gaol; but the releases during the last fortnight had been nearer 70 than 60.