§ MR. HEALYasked Mr. Attorney General for Ireland, In how many cases is he aware that a similar course of keeping back prisoners from amongst their comrades in the dock has been practised by the Crown as in that of Mr. T. W. Nally at Castlebar; for what reason was Mr. Nally detained in his cell while his co-accused were brought up in Court; and by whose instructions was this done?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. PORTER)Sir, I am quite unable to say in how many cases trials have been postponed in the absence of some of the persons charged; but it is frequently done, I believe; and, on this occasion, the learned Judge who presided saw no occasion for complaint, or for ordering the presence of Mr. Nally. I do not feel at liberty to state the reason why he was not brought up in Court; but it was not that which, in a former Question, was suggested by the hon. Member. I believe it was the same Crown Solicitor who applied that the other prisoners should be put forward in this case. I have already stated that there was nothing whatever illegal in that course.