HC Deb 24 March 1882 vol 267 cc1810-1
MR. METGE

asked Mr. Attorney General for Ireland, Whether his attention has been called to the case of Sub-Constable Forbes, of the Kells police force, who, on the 21st of October last, was fined £3 for being drunk, by a court of inquiry held at Kells, which fine was afterwards confirmed by the Inspector General, notwithstanding the evidence given by two medical doctors of high standing to the effect that Forbes was not drunk, but suffering from "ear vertigo," a complaint, the symptoms of which are of a similar character to those manifested by a person under the influence of drink; and whether, under the circumstances, he will have the fine remitted?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. W. M. JOHNSON)

Sir, the Court of Inquiry into this charge examined several witnesses. Among those called for the defence were two medical gentlemen, one of whom, having seen the defendant one hour and 25 minutes after the charge was made, gave it as his opinion that the defendant was then sober; the other, having seen the defendant two hours after the charge was made, gave it as his opinion that the swaying motion and staggering gait were caused by "ear vertigo." The Court, however, on consideration of the whole evidence, came to the conclusion that the charge was established; and the Inspector General, on reviewing the proceedings of the Court, confirmed them. Under the circumstances, the fine cannot be interfered with.

MR. METGE

asked whether the right hon. and learned Gentleman had seen the evidence of the doctor?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. W. M. JOHNSON)

I have only seen the extract which I have read to the House.

MR. METGE

said, this was a matter of great importance to the Police Force. One of the doctors was a most eminent man, and he had examined the constable, and found him to be suffering from ear vertigo, and not from drink. He had found his pulse quite feeble, and his hands bloodless.

MR. SPEAKER

Does the hon. Member wish to ask another Question?

MR. METGE

said, he wished to ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman whether he had seen that portion of the evidence?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. W. M. JOHNSON)

Sir, I have not seen that part of the evidence; but I take it for granted that the Court was satisfied as to the condition of the constable.