§ MAJOR O'GORMANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, If he would inform the House, whether Deputy Inspector General Hillier, referred to in "The Limerick Reporter" of the 13th March last as "English Inspector General," incurred damages and costs for illegal arrests as alleged; if so, what is the total amount of these damages and costs, and have they been paid by Her Majesty's Government or by Deputy Inspector General Hillier; and, whether the distinction of C.B. has been conferred on this officer; and, if so, whether before or after the actions for illegal arrests referred to?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHSir, damages and costs were given against Colonel Hillier in an action brought against him for conduct in the command of the constabulary some three or four years ago. I am unable to give any information in reply to the second part of the Question, because it relates to a point which already during this Session has been brought before the House by the hon. and learned Member for Limerick (Mr. Butt), when the House refused to grant the return then moved for. The distinction of C.B. was 393 conferred by the late Government on Colonel Hillier early in the present year, for his general services as a constabulary officer, and long after the matter referred to.