HC Deb 08 August 1890 vol 348 cc270-1
MR. BLANE

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland if he can state the number of prisoners held for the alleged conspiracy at Crossmaglen, County Armagh, in 1881?

MR. MADDEN

In the conspiracy to murder case referred to, 12 men were convicted on March 27, 1883. Six of these men are still in prison under the sentences then passed.

MR. BLANE

Considering that these persons have now been in prison for eight years, will not the Government consider the propriety of exercising the prerogative of mercy?

MR. MADDEN

That is not a matter for the Executive Government, but for the Lord Lieutenant.

MR. BLANE

My only object in putting down the question was to induce the Government to do something in the matter.