HC Deb 08 May 1884 vol 287 cc1678-9
MR. O'BRIEN

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether County Inspector James Ellis French, Director of the Detective Department of the Royal Irish Constabulary, has been dismissed from that force; if so, if he would state on what grounds and on what terms?

MR. TREVELYAN

Mr. French, having been examined by a Medical Board, and certified to be both mentally and physically incapacitated for further service in the Constabulary, has, with the sanction of the Lord Lieutenant, been struck off the strength of the force. All other questions relating to the case remain open for further consideration.

MR. O'BRIEN

What time did Mr. French cease to hold his position as Detective Director?

MR. TREVELYAN

I do not know the exact date.

MR. O'BRIEN

I am obliged to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he made personal inquiries in reference to the charges notoriously made against this man; and whether or not he satisfied himself as to the truth of these charges; and, if so, why he left to a private individual the substantiation of these charges, knowing that it must be difficult to prove them?

MR. TREVELYAN

The hon. Member asked me a Question. I do not know the exact date that Mr. French was relieved from his duty. If the hon. Member wishes to put any Questions to me I will answer them. The Government have acted with their eyes open in this matter.

MR. O'BRIEN

The right hon. Gentleman surely can answer whether he himself instituted personal inquiries into the notorious charges against this man; and, if so, what was the result of his inquiry?

MR. TREVELYAN

The hon. Member will, perhaps, give Notice of his Question. It is not my duty specially to institute inquiries. I have a general knowledge of the subject quite sufficient for me to know that from the moment there was any suspicion of Mr. French's conduct the Government at once made inquiries into the matter.

MR. O'BRIEN

I wish to know, then, whether it was upon the right hon. Gentleman's directions French brought the action against me?

MR. TREVELYAN

Certainly not; that is not the case.

MR. O'BRIEN

I beg to give Notice that on Monday I shall ask the Chief Secretary on what date James Ellis French was first removed from the position of Detective Director of the Royal Irish Constabulary; whether any official inquiry was made with respect to the charges against him before public reference was made to them; if so, why that inquiry was not followed up; and, whether there is any intention to bestow a pension upon him?