MR. O'CONNOR POWERSir, I have a Question on the Paper respecting the inquiry against the prison officials with regard to the charge into the death of the late Sergeant M'Carthy; but I have just received a letter that this inquiry has been made. I wish to ask, Whether, if it has been made, the evidence which was taken was given on oath, as the evidence at the inquest was given? The Question I gave Notice of read as follows:— 1052
To ask the Secretary of State for the Homo Department, whether, having regard to the fact that the evidence given against the prison officials at the inquest in the case of the late Sergeant M'Carthy, was taken publicly and on oath he will order the inquiry in the prison to be conducted publicly and on oath in like manner; and, whether facilities will be given to enable the next of kin of the deceased and Members of this House to attend?
MR. ASSHETON CROSSSir, I have no power to direct a man to be examined on oath, nor have the magistrates power to administer an oath, unless direct authority to do so is given them by express Statute. With regard to the holding of the inquiry, I stated the last time I was asked about it that I had transmitted the depositions to Sir James Ingham and left the matter entirely with him. I have not seen or communicated with that gentleman since, except with regard to the medical man. I was not aware, nor do I know now, that the inquiry has been concluded. I have left the matter entirely in his hands, and I have no doubt he will hear any evidence that may be tendered to him, and pay attention to any application made by the hon. Gentleman, or anyone else who wishes to communicate with him. I may add that on seeing the Question on the Paper this morning, I forwarded it to Sir James Ingham with a copy of the answer I proposed to make to it.