§ MR. LANE (Cork Co., E.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is a fact that at the Cork Assizes on the 5th instant, Crown Counsel applied to the Judge to enter a nolle prosequi in the case in which a Coroner's Jury have found a verdict of wilful murder against Constable Swindell?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)The Attorney General for Ireland informs me that the fact is as stated in the Question, and that the Lord Chief Baron expressed his entire approval of his not prosecuting on a Coroner's inquisition. He adds that he is now investigating the case, in order to determine whether there are any grounds that proceedings should be taken with a view to the constable being returned for trial in this matter.
§ MR. LANEasked, had not the crime been committed five weeks ago, and all the evidence been submitted to the Attorney General 10 days ago, and why did he require further time to decide?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURsaid, the Attorney General had absolute discretion in the matter.
§ MR. LANEsaid, he would call attention to this matter on the Vote for the Attorney General's salary.