§ MR. O'DOWD (Sligo, S)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that John Lavin of Ballinaford, near Boyle, aged seventy-three, at present confined in Sligo gaol, was arrested in bed whilst suffering from influenza contracted through exposure after eviction; and whether, in view of the fact that this man has been fifteen months in prison, Steps will be taken to have him released.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThis man was committed to prison for contempt of court on a writ of attachment issued by the Vice-Chancellor. The power of committal in such cases is not subject to supervision by the Executive and is not controlled by the exercise of the prerogative of pardon. The steps necessary to be taken with a view to the discharge of the prisoner were indicated in a communication whichaddressed to the hon. Member in February last.