LORD NAASsaid, he wished to ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether 1645 Captain Crofton has intimated to the Government that, in his opinion, great difficulties will arise in carrying on the business of the Irish Convict Department owing to the reduction that has lately been made in the Dumber of the Directors of the Convict Prisons; and whether Captain Crofton has, in consequence, announced his intention of retiring from the Service?
§ MR. CARDWELLsaid, that on the occurrence of a recent Vacancy it was thought right to ascertain by experience whether it was necessary to fill it up of not, and the Government intimated their intention to that effect. It was true that Captain Crofton had expressed himself to the Irish Government in the manner stated in the question of his noble Friend. A temporary arrangement had been made by which the local inspector of the department would be relieved from a part of his duties by a removal of a portion of the convicts to another place. He could assure his noble Friend that while the Government were anxious to make the most economical arrangements, they had no intention to interfere with the efficiency of the convict department. It was not true that Captain Crofton had resigned; but he had intimated an apprehension that he might be compelled to resign on account of the state of his health. He trusted that necessity would not arise, and that Captain Crofton would continue, as heretofore, to discharge his duties in connection with the Convict Department.