§ MR. OSBORNEsaid, he rose to ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether, previous to the meeting of Parliament, any communications were made to or addressed by the Irish Government to the Lieutenants of Counties in Ireland, the Commissioners of Police in Dublin, the Inspector General of Constabulary, or the Justices and Resident Magistrates in Ireland, as to the expediency of a further continuance of the Habeas Corpus Suspension Act beyond the 26th February 1867, or of allowing it to expire on that day; and if any such communications were made, whether he will lay the original inquiries, and replies thereto, upon the table of the House?
LORD NAASIn answer, Sir, to my hon. Friend, I have to say that the Irish Government are not in the habit of consulting the Lieutenants of Counties in Ireland, the Commissioners of Police in Dublin, the Inspector General of Constabulary, or the Justices and Resident Magistrates, before they come to a decision on a matter of such importance as the proposal to renew the Suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act in Ireland. I can only say that that recommendation was made on the responsibility of the Irish Government, and I am prepared to defend it. Of course, as no such communications were made, no replies were received.
§ MR. OSBORNEThen, Sir, I beg leave to give notice that on an early day I will draw attention to the Suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act, and to the state of Ireland generally.