§ MR. JOHN E. REDMOND (Waterford)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now reconsider the case of John Curtin, one of the Irish prisoners at present in Portland Prison under sentence of penal servitude for life, of which he has already served 12 years; and, whether his health has suffered during his sentence?
§ MR. W. P. BYLES (York, W.R., Shipley)asked whether it was not a fact that the evidence which was given in the case of Curtin was of a comparatively slight character, whereas he received the same savage sentence as the alleged leader in this conspiracy?
§ MR. ASQUITHI do not see how the latter question arises out of the question on the Paper. The prisoner in question was until recently in good health, but, as I stated the other day, he has developed symptoms of a serious character, which have led to his being placed in the hospital, where he has received, and is receiving, the most careful 1382 attendance and advice. I have, come to the conclusion that he is no longer fit for prison discipline, and as soon as proper arrangements can be made for his reception and care outside he will be released on licence.