§ MR. W. H. JAMES (Gateshead)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether Mr. John Dillon, while exempt from all forms of prison labour, has access to books and writing materials in the infirmary of Dundalk Prison?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E), in reply, said, he could not answer the Question without further Notice; but he could tell the hon. Gentleman that the ordinary Prison Rules were applied in the case of Mr. Dillon the same as in that of any other prisoner.
§ MR. W. H. JAMESasked, if the right hon. Gentleman would consider, in this case, whether a condition of laborious idleness was not more exasperating and injurious than hard labour itself.
§ THE LORD MAYOR OF DUBLIN (Mr. SEXTON) (Belfast, W)As Mr. Dillon has been placed in the infirmary in consequence of the condition of his health, I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the medical officer of the prison has the power of ordering him the means of reading and writing?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI believe it is in the power of the medical officer of the prison to take any steps for the preservation of the health of any prisoner in his charge.