§ MR. MURPHY (Dublin, St. Patrick's)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether information has reached him that the two brothers named Howard, in Kilmainham Gaol since June, 1886, under committal by the Vice Chancellor of Ireland for contempt of Court, are both men of weak intellect, in fact almost imbecile, and incapable of understanding the reason why they were committed to prison, or why they are kept there; whether, in a Return recently presented to Parliament, the mental condition of both these men is described as "indifferent;" will he make inquiries into those cases, and get a full Report from the medical officer; and, if the facts are as indicated, will he take steps to obtain the release of the Howards?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. HOLMES) (Dublin University)(who replied) said, he understood the brothers Howard were committed not by the Vice Chancellor, but by the Judge of the Land Division of 707 the High. Court of Justice. The prison medical officer had furnished a Report as to the mental condition of the men; and the Chief Secretary would have that Report forwarded to the Judge, with a view to his taking such action as he thought right.
§ DR. KENNY (Cork, S.)May I ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman to answer the latter part of the Question?
§ MR. HOLMESI have answered it.