HC Deb 22 February 1897 vol 46 cc875-6
MR. J. L. CAREW (Dublin, College Green)

On behalf of the hon. Member for Dublin, St. Patrick (Mr. W. FIELD), I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that James Fitzharris, a prisoner in Maryborough Gaol, is lying dangerously ill, and that the doctor has stated his condition to he critical; and, whether, seeing that the prisoner has been in penal servitude for 14 years and would be entitled under the prison rules to a revision of his sentence in 12 months more, and as the prisoner is over 70 years of age, will he advise the Lord Lieutenant, to order his liberation?

*MR. GERALD BALFOUR

This convict is not dangerously ill, nor is it the fact that the doctor has at any time stated his condition to be critical. The convict's age, according to the prison records, is 57, not 70 years. It does not come within my province to advise the Lord Lieutenant to order the discharge of a convict, but, of course, it is open to the prisoner to memoralise the Lord Lieutenant on the subject in the usual way.

MR. CAREW

On behalf of the hon. Member for Dublin, St. Patrick (Mr. FIELD), I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that Joseph Mullet, a prisoner in Maryborough Gaol, who was convicted in April 1883, has been suffering four years from weakness of lungs and chest; and, whether he will advise the Lord Lieutenant to order his liberation?

*MR. GERALD BALFOUR

It is the fact that convict Mullet has been suffering for several years from weakness of the lungs and chest, but his affection is not of an acute nature, and his health, on the whole, is better now than it was some years before his removal to Maryborough Prison. The observations I have made in reply to the latter part of the preceding Question apply equally to the suggestion at the end of this Question.

MR. WILLIAM JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)

May I ask whether these are not two of the Phœnix Park murderers?

*MR. GERALD BALFOUR

One is, I believe.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

Will the right hon. Gentleman, following the example of the Home Office, allow an independent, doctor to see these men and report, upon their condition?

*MR. GERALD BALFOUR

If a memorial is sent by the prisoners their cases will be considered.