§ MR. HEALYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Under what circumstances did Major Blair, R.M. county Armagh, obtain a pass to visit the Crossmaglen prisoners in Chatham; was he authorised by the Government to see them; did he make any Report afterwards to the Home Office; and, who paid his expenses?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTsaid, that Major Blair, being oil a holiday, was passing through London, and being desirous to see the convicts, he applied for the usual order in such cases, and it was granted. He went down to Chatham for the purpose; but it turned out that the particular prisoner he went to see was not one of those who had been removed from Ireland. However, other prisoners who had been removed from Ireland expressed a wish to see Major Blair, and he saw one of them, who stated that he desired to be sent back to an Irish prison. No report was made by Major Blair to the Home Office. The removal of Irish prisoners to Chatham was a temporary measure rendered necessary by some want of accommodation in Irish prisons. Measures were, however, being taken to supply the necessary accommodation.
§ MR. HEALYsaid, he was much obliged to the right hon. and learned Gentleman for his courteous reply.