§ MR. M'GOVERNI bog to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that John M'Elligott, who has been confined in Dundalk Gaol since June, 1901, for contempt of court, has no means to employ counsel to make an application for his release; and whether, in view of this man's state of health and of the nature of his contempt, will he take steps to secure his release.
§ MR. WYNDHAMM'Elligott was committed for contempt on a writ of attachment issued by the Master of the Rolls in July, 1901. The nature of the contempt consisted in his having retaken forcible possession of a farm from which he had been evicted. The Government has no power to act in the manner suggested in the Question. The prisoner's health is good, and I am informed that his wife, who is still in possession of the holding, has ample means to enable her to employ a counsel to make application for his release.
§ MR. M'GOVERNIs it a fact that this man offered to pay the rent of the farm from which he was evicted?
§ MR. MACVEAGH (Down, S.)Two years in gaol for contempt of court!