HC Deb 13 July 1903 vol 125 cc407-8
MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that a man named John McElligott has been lying in Dundalk Gaol for two years for contempt of Court; whether he can state what is the nature of the charge against him; and whether he can take any steps with a view to securing the release of McElligott.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. WYNDHAM,) Dover

The committal was for contempt on a writ of attachment issued by the Master of the Rolls. The Executive has no power to intervene in the matter. The Master of the Rolls has on several occasions informed † See page 156. the prisoner that a verbal undertaking to abstain from repeating his contempt will be followed by immediate release.

MR. DILLON

Suppose evidence is laid before the right hon. Gentleman that this prisoner is in danger of losing his mind what steps can be taken to procure his release from prison?

MR. WYNDHAM

was understood to say that the medical officers would have to report on the case to the Prisons Board.