MR. MAC NEILLI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether, during the confinement of Father M'Fadden, who is at present a prisoner in Derry Gaol, one warder is specially told off to guard the prisoner; and, if so, from what motive; and was the same course taken when Father Stephens was in confinement in the same prison, at the same time as Father M'Fadden, awaiting his trial before the resident magistrates?
MR. A. J. BALFFOURThe Prisons Board inform me that they have no official knowledge as to the disposal of the prison officers by the governor of any prison for the safe keeping of those committed to his charge. The governor is solely responsible for the custody of his prisoners, and is bound to take such steps as he may consider necessary.