§ COLONEL KING-HARMANasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he is aware of the reasons which have caused the General Prisons Board (Ireland) to refuse the ordinary leave of absence to Dr. Humphrey Minchin; and, whether he is aware that the Prisons Board is endeavouring to oblige Dr. Minchin to perform duties which are regarded by him as in excess of those to which he was appointed?
§ MR. TREVELYAN,in reply, said, he was aware that the reason for the refusal had reference to a difference of opinion that had arisen between the General Prisons Board and Dr. Minchin as to the extent of his duties, and the substitute to be provided in his absence. The legal Question involved was at this moment before the Law Officers of the Crown.
§ COLONEL KING-HARMANasked if this was the sole reason?
§ MR. TREVELYANsaid, it was not quite certain. He believed it had reference to the duties which the substitute might be required to perform in his absence.
§ COLONEL KING-HARMANsaid, he assumed that leave had been deferred, and not refused.
§ MR. TREVELYANsaid, it had not been refused definitely. Until this point had been cleared up the matter could not be settled. He rather thought it had been cleared up.