HC Deb 26 July 1883 vol 282 cc534-5
COLONEL NOLAN

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If the convict establishment at Spike Island has now been definitely broken up; and, if he is now prepared to redeem the numerous pledges given by the late Government that a convict establishment would be formed at Galway, for the purpose of improving that port?

MR. TREVELYAN

Sir, the convict establishment at Spike Island has been definitely broken up, the last of the prisoners having been removed on the 13th of this month. I think the hon. and gallant Member for Galway (Colonel Nolan) must be under a misapprehension as to pledges having been given by the late Government that a convict establishment would be formed at Galway. Undoubtedly, words have been used which require some explanation, as suggesting that such an arrangement was projected, and preliminary investigations were made; but I find that in April, 1880, the Lords of the Treasury "declined to commit themselves, even in principle, to the works contemplated at Galway;" and I can give no promise that they will be undertaken now.

MR. HEALY

asked what Government was in power at the time?

MR. TREVELYAN

The late Government.

MR. J. G. TALBOT

inquired to where the convicts had been removed?

MR. TREVELYAN

The male convicts are at Mountjoy, and the females at Grangegorman.