§ MR. FLYNNI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the case of John O'Connell, of Glouna-laugha, King Williamstown, County 1703 Cork, who was evicted in 1890, and who was sent to prison over five months ago for contempt of Court by Judge Monroe on the ground that he built and occupied a hut on the evicted farm; and whether, as the hut has long since been removed, he will communicate with the learned Judge with a view to ordering this man's immediate release?
MR. J. MORLEYThe facts appear to be as stated, though I am informed that the hut has not been removed or interfered with. The discharge of prisoners in contempt cases is always dealt with by the Judge who makes the order of committal, and is not a matter in which the Executive can interfere.
§ MR. MACNEILLSeeing that a Judge can inflict any fine or term of imprisonment for contempt of Court, will the right hon. Gentleman bring in a Bill to modify those powers?