LORD CLAUD HAMILTONasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, in reference to the police investigation held at Dungannon in June last, at which certain statements were made by Captain Ball, R.M. (when sworn), which have conveyed the impression to the public mind that he considered that the local magistrates had exhibited partiality in the discharge of their duty, Whether he can give the further information he promised to afford on Thursday, the 6th instant; whether he has communicated to the magistrates implicated, the Memorial, said to have emanated from the inhabitants of Dungannon, so as to enable them publicly to meet the serious charges advanced against them; and, whether he has decided upon the course to be pursued in a case that alike involves the character of the bench of magistrates and the due administration of justice in that locality?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONsaid, in reply, that when he answered the noble Lord's Question on the subject the other night, he was under the impression that a copy of the memorial of the inhabitants of Dungannon had been communicated to the local magistrates, so as to enable them publicly to meet the serious charges of partiality 51 brought against them. He now found that he was mistaken in this impression, but a copy of the memorial had since been forwarded to them. Considering the nature of the charges made, an inquiry into the circumstances would be necessary, and that inquiry would be instituted without undue loss of time.