MR. O'CONNOR POWERasked Mr. Solicitor General for Ireland, How many persons are to be proceeded against in connection with the recent riots at Portadown; will the cases be tried under the Prevention of Crime Act; is it true, as stated in the Belfast papers, that the resident magistrate, Captain Whelan, and the Sub-Inspector of Police, were both off duty on the night of the riot; and, if it be found that Captain Whelan was off duty, whether the Government will direct an investigation into the cause of his absence, before he is allowed to take any part in adjudication upon the case?
§ THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. WALKER)said, it was intended to proceed against 80 persons charged with being concerned in the Portadown riot. An explanation had been called for from the Resident Magistrate and the Sub-Inspector, who, as alleged, were both off duty on the occasion.