§ MR. J. P. FARRELL (Cavan, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that convict Michael Hopkins, at present under sentence of 24 years' penal servitude in Mountjoy Prison, is breaking down in health and threatened with insanity at no distant date; whether he will grant leave to an independent medical gentleman to visit him and report upon his condition; and, if the facts are found to be true, will he recommend the exercise of the prerogative of mercy in his regard?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds, CentralThe Medical Officer of Mountjoy Prison, in a report dated the 11th instant, states that Convict Hopkins is at present in fair health, that he had gained three pounds in weight since his committal to the prison, and that there is no indication of anything approaching insanity in his case. The Lord Lieutenant does not consider that any necessity exists for ordering an examination of the convict by an independent medical gentleman, as suggested.
§ MR. J. P. FARRELLMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that a medical examination was ordered not long since, and is he in possession of the fact that the medical gentleman then thought that his condition required special treatment?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURNo, Sir; I believe he was 22.