§ MR. BIGGAR (Cavan, W.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he is aware that only fifteen grand jurors were sworn at last Cavan Assizes; whether less than twelve of these voted in favour of finding a true bill against two emergency men, Robert Bell and George Buggy, who were charged with setting fire to a byre at Clonloskan; and, whether, under these circumstances, any further legal 1155 proceedings will be taken against Bell and Buggy?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. JOHN MORLEY) (Newcastle-on-Tyne)I have no means of knowing; and, of course, the hon. Gentleman will see that it is scarcely proper for me to inquire whether there was any division amongst the members of the Grand Jury regarding this case. The Bill was ignored, and there must have been, of course, a legal majority. I am informed that, though there were very suspicious circumstances connected with the case, there was no direct evidence against the accused; and it is not intended to take any further proceedings unless new evidence should be disclosed.