§ MR. MACARTNEY (Antrim, S.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether the manager of the Cork Theatre refused to prosecute the persons alleged to have taken part in the disturbances in the theatre on the 30th of August; whether, though no one had been arrested or charged with taking part in these disturbances, the Mayor of Cork held a sworn inquiry in connection therewith; and, whether, at this inquiry, he administered an oath to several policemen; and, if so, whether these proceedings on the part of the Mayor are sanctioned by law; and, if not, whether the attention of the Lord Chancellor will be directed to them?
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY (Colonel KING-HARMAN) (Kent, Isle of Thanet)(who replied) said, he was informed that the facts were as stated in the Question; and he could not see that the Mayor had any power to hold a sworn inquiry, or administer an oath, when no person was charged.