§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is a fact that the Chairman of Quarter Sessions, Mr. Fergusson, has, upon the last two occasions, been presented with a pair of white gloves when sitting at Quarter Sessions, in the town of Macroom, as a sign of the crimeless condition of West Muskerry; whether these cases make the total of nine in the past seven years; and, whether, in consequence of the crimeless condition of the district, 745 the proclamation of West Muskerry will be removed?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)The Inspector General of Constabulary reports that it is not a fact that on the last two occasions the Chairman at Quarter Sessions at Macroom was presented with a pair of white gloves; but he did receive a pair of white gloves on the last occasion. So far as can be ascertained, the Chairman received white gloves on three occasions during the past seven years. I cannot undertake to adopt the course suggested in the last paragraph.
§ DR. TANNERHow often during the last six months has he been presented with white gloves?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI am afraid I cannot answer that Question.
§ DR. TANNERWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the last paragraph of the Question. Is it not a fact that Mr. Fergusson was presented with a pair of gloves within the last fortnight, and is not that a sign of the district being crimeless; and I wish also to know whether he will remove this ban from the district?
§ [No reply.]
§ DR. TANNERI will repeat the Question again.