HC Deb 23 June 1863 vol 171 c1383

Motion made, and Question proposed, That there he laid before this House, a Copy of the several Depositions relative to the burning of Queen's College, Cork, together with any Reports or Communications to the Government on the subject, from any of the Professors of the College."—(Mr. Hennessy.)

SIR ROBERT PEEL

said, the documents moved for were part of depositions taken with a view to a criminal proceeding. It would be contrary to all precedent to produce them.

MR. MAGUIRE

hoped the papers would be produced. It had been said that Queen's College was burnt by a member of the Ultramontane party. A more unfounded or more atrocious statement could not possibly be made.

MR. HENNESSY

said, he had stated in the House before, and now repeated, that he had been informed by a Professor of the College, whose letter he now had in his possession, that he had given information to the Government which ought to satisfy them that the person who set fire to the building was an official of the College. He had also received a communication from the Principal of the institution to the same effect.

Question put:—The House divided:—Ayes 14; Noes 34: Majority 20.