§ MR. GIBSONasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Is it a fact that the inhabitants of Portadown, Lurgan, Banbridge, and Dun-garvan, without distinction of creed, have sent Memorials to the Lord Lieutenant protesting against the suggested removal of Captain Whelan, R.M.; whether, on the occasion of the recent riot, Captain Whelan was ill, and therefore unable to be present; and, whether, before deciding on the removal of Captain Whelan, R.M., from his present district, they will accord a full inquiry into any allegations that may have been made or insinuated against him?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANYes, Sir; such a Memorial has been received; but it has not been replied to— beyond an acknowledgment of receipt— pending an inquiry into the state of Captain Whelan's health. The most immediate question for consideration is whether, owing to the state of his health, he is able to discharge the duties of a Resident Magistrate. It is the case that he was ill and absent on that account from duty on the occasion of the recent riot; and there is no occasion for any except a medical inquiry.