HC Deb 18 June 1888 vol 327 cc442-3
MR. W. REDMOND (Fermanagh, N.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether his attention has been called to the following protest of 11 prisoners in Loughrea as to their treatment:— Taken from our beds at 3 o'clock on Wednesday morning, kept in the police barracks and Court until 2 o'clock, when the inquiry commenced, forced to sit listening to depositions being read until 6 that evening, and then, having our application for bail refused, committed to Loughrea Bridewell (11 men in all), where there was only accommodation for three, and even these beds were almost wet and filthy; and, whether he will inquire into the truth of these allegations; and, if they are true, take steps to prevent similar treatment of unconvicted prisoners?

MR. HARRIS (Galway, E.)

also had the following Question on the Paper:—To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether his attention has been directed to the following statement alleged to have been made by 11 men charged under the Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act at Loughrea on Wednesday:— Taken from our beds at 3 o'clock on Wednesday morning, kept in the police barracks and Court until 2 o'clock, when the inquiry commenced, forced to sit listening to depositions being read until 6 that evening, and then, having our application for bail refused, committed to Loughrea Bridewell (11 men in all), where there was only accommodation for three, and even these beds were almost wet and filthy; and, whether this statement is well-founded; and, if so, whether he will take steps to save unconvicted prisoners from such treatment in gaol in future?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)

Perhaps I may be permitted now to reply also to the Question of the hon. Member opposite (Mr. Harris). The charge was not under the Criminal Law and Procedure Act, but under the ordinary law. The District Inspector of Constabulary reports that, bail having been refused, it was necessary to lodge these prisoners in the Bridewell. Some were accommodated in three available cells, and the remainder in the day-room. The former had beds which were neither filthy nor wet; and the latter were given such spare rugs and blankets as were at the keeper's disposal. The question of the accommodation for, and treatment of, untried prisoners generally throughout the country has been engaging the attention of Her Majesty's Government.

THE LORD MAYOR OF DUBLIN (Mr. SEXTON) (Belfast, W.)

May I ask, if the Government will offer any explanation of the tactics which they are now resorting to in Ireland, and of taking men out of their beds at the dead of night? Could not they make the arrests either before bed-time or after the people had risen?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I suppose the usual course is for the police to arrest persons when they can find them. The people appear to have escaped arrest before.

MR. SHEEHY (Galway, S.)

What is the charge against these men?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The charge is not under the Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act, but under the ordinary law. I believe it is a prosecution for conspiracy.