HC Deb 05 May 1891 vol 353 cc142-3
MR. T. M. HEALY

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that Mr. John Cullinane, of Bansha, whose sentence of six months' imprisonment for the alleged Tipperary conspiracy has just expired, is so seriously ill that he cannot be discharged from Tullamore Gaol; when did Mr. Cullinane get ill; how long, and how often, has he been in hospital; what is he suffering from; why did not the doctor, when he found the prisoner getting debilitated, at once recommend his discharge; and what is Mr. Cullinane's present condition?

DR. TANNER

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Governor of Tullamore Prison has informed the friends of Mr. John Cullinane, P.L.G., of Bansha, that Mr. Cullinane cannot be released at the expiration of his term of imprisonment from Tullamore, in consequence of Mr. Cullinane's serious illness; what is the nature of this illness; what is the latest Report of Dr. Moorhead upon the same; and are Mr. Cullinane's friends allowed to send his own medical adviser to visit him?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I have received a telegram stating that the Prisons Board report as follows:— The Governor of Tullamore Prison was instructed by the medical member of the Board who visited the prison on the 1st and 2nd inst. to inform Mr. Cullinane's relatives of his condition, and the Board have evidence that his friends are aware of his illness, application having been made to-day for permission for them to see him, which has been granted. The illness is severe influenza, from which other prisoners and warders are also suffering, and of which we are informed there are several cases in the town of Tullamore. The Board are not aware that Dr. Moorhead has seen these prisoners since their illness. The Governor has permission to admit the prisoner's own medical adviser in consultation with the prison medical officer.