§ MR. NANNETTI (Dublin, College Green)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that discontent exists in Mount-joy Convict Prison, Dublin, among the officers and men employed there since the recent appointment of the present Principal Warder Murray; that this 296 official has treated both officers and prisoners with harshness; that, owing to the manner in which he acts, there has been an increase in the number of alleged breaches of the prison rules; and that, consequently, the governor's time is taken up in investigating complaints; whether he is aware that a warder named Barber, an officer of over eleven years service, has resigned owing to his treatment by Principal Warder Murray; and whether, seeing that this officer was appointed over the heads of more experienced and older officers in the service, if he will not cease to act in the manner complained of, he will be removed to some other prison.
§ MR. WYNDHAMNo complaints have been made to the Prisons Board of the character mentioned in the first paragraph. There has been an increase in the number of breaches of prison rules, but this is not due to any action on the part of the principal warder. Very little of the governor's time is taken up in investigating these breaches. Barber's resignation was not due to the cause alleged. Hs resigned because he was aware that the Prisons Board would be obliged before long to recommend his discharge from the service. The principal warder has given satisfaction to the Board, who do not propose to remove him from Mountjoy.
AN HON. MEMBERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that since this question was put down there have been very few complaints as to this warder? Will he see that this state of affairs continues?
§ MR. WYNDHAMI have no information.