MR. PATRICK O'BRIENOn behalf of the hon. Member for Dublin, St. Patrick (Mr. FIELD), I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with regard to the allegation that Fitzharris, a prisoner in Maryborough Gaol, has only recently recovered from a very serious illness, and has had a relapse, whether he will appoint an independent medical inquiry to be made regarding the condition of Fitzharris?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURWith the permission of my right hon. Friend, I will reply to this question. It is the case that this convict had been suffering from influenza, and that he had a relapse; but, in the opinion of the General Prisons Board, the ailment was not dangerous, and the convict now appears to be convalescent. There are no grounds for ordering an independent medical inquiry into the case, as suggested.