§ MR. J. F. O'BRIEN (Mayo, S.)asked the Secretary for the Home Department what visits had been made to James Mullett during his detention in Millbank Prison; whether he would give the names of those visitors and the dates of the visits; and whether he would state on whose application each visit was permitted and by what authority permitted?
§ MR. MATTHEWSMullett has been twice visited while in Millbank Prison—on the 3rd of January by his wife, an ordinary visit on her own application, and on the 4th of February by Mr. Thomson, on behalf of Mr. Soames, and on his application. Both visits were allowed by permission of the Prison Commissioners.
§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)I beg to ask whether, as Mr. Thomson is not a solicitor, the latter interview was held, in accordance with the prison rules, in the presence of an official; and whether a record was kept of what passed at such interview.
§ MR. MATTHEWSI have no information on the subject. If the hon. Member wishes for an answer to his question, I must ask him to give me notice.
§ MR. J. F. O'BRIENasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether Sergeant Mullin, of the Royal Irish Constabulary, stationed at Ballyhaunis, county Mayo, had endeavoured to obtain evidence in favour of the Times, from one Patrick Lavan, late of Ballyhaunis, but now living in Washington Territory, United States, and wrote in the following, terms:—
I guarantee your name will never be mentioned, and I further guarantee that it will be the means of putting you on your feet;and whether Sergeant Mullin's action in this matter was an independent 705 private inquiry or was instigated by some one in authority over him?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.I am informed that Lavan, before leaving Ireland, had shown the sergeant a letter which Lavan represented as being important. The sergeant did write to Lavan, with whom he had had previous relations, for this document. The inquiry was, I am informed, made by the sergeant with the sanction of his superior officer.
§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)I beg to ask whether a member of the Royal Irish Constabulary force is entitled in a case between the Times and the Irish Members to offer Lavan money to give certain evidence?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThere is no case between the Times and the Irish Members.
§ MR. J. F. O'BRIENMy question was whether Sergeant Mullin had endeavoured to procure evidence for the Times. The right hon. Gentleman has said "Yes."
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURNo, Sir.