MR. O'KEEFFE () LimerickI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether, pending promised prison legislation, he will direct that governors of Irish gaols be authorised to receive portions of fines to which offenders have been adjudged liable on summary conviction, so that on payment thereof their alternative terms of imprisonment shall be proportionately reduced, as is the practice in England under the Prisons Act, 1898?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThere is no legal power to adopt the course suggested in the Question, as the Act referred to does not apply to Ireland. I may add, however, that the Lord Lieutenant in the exercise of his prerogative may and frequently does order the release of prisoners on payment of a portion of the fines inflicted.