HC Deb 12 November 1902 vol 114 cc754-5
MR TULLY

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state how many ladies have been prosecuted for newspaper offences since the passing of the Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act, 1887, how many ladies have been † See preceding volume, page 914. imprisoned under the operations of that Act, and what is the nature of the prison treatment in their cases.

MR. WYNDHAM

There have been two such prosecutions. One was dismissed. In the other case the defendant was called upon to give sureties for good behaviour, or to go to prison in default. The conviction was confirmed by the Superior Court. Persons committed to prison in default of entering into sureties are subject to the rules prescribed for prisoners awaiting trial. These rules will be found in Parliamentary Papers Nos. 129 and 189 of this Session.

MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, N.)

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into the case he has referred to. It is one which excites a great amount of sympathy all over Ireland, and everybody believes this laity to be the victim of circumstances. She is not in good health.

MR. WYNDHAM

Of course the question of the health of a prisoner always receives careful consideration.

MR. TULLY

Then let her off.