§ MR. M'CARTANI beg to ask the Solicitor General for Ireland, with reference to the recent action for libel brought by Mr. Vesey Fitzgerald, R.M., against the Freeman's Journal and the hon. Member for North Kildare, whether he is aware that Head Constable M'Donald, of Newbridge, swore at the trial at last County Antrim Assizes that he (M'Donald) had not been in the Constabulary Barrack at Naas on the 19th November, 1888; whether the diary kept in Naas Barrack shows that M'Donald was there on that day; whether he will have inquiry made into the matter; and whether he will give a copy of the entry made in the diary on that particular date with reference to Head Constable M'Donald's visit to Naas?
§ THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. MADDEN, University of Dublin)The Constabulary Authorities report that Head Constable M'Donald's evidence at the trial referred to was as stated in the first paragraph. The entry made in the Guard's Diary at Naas Barrack on 19th November, 1888, was that Head Constable M'Donald and Constable Whitton, Newbridge men, arrived there on duty. Both these policemen appear to have been in Naas on the date in question, and to have visited the County Inspector's house on duty. But the constable is equally certain that neither the Head Constable nor himself entered the barrack.