§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is a fact that a Circular has been recently issued to the Constabulary in Ireland instructing them to apply for a portion of the penalties recovered in cases in which prosecutions are brought by them at Petty Sessions; and, if so, whether the said Circular was issued with his knowledge and authority?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERNo such Circular has boon issued; and any fine would go, not to the constable himself, but to the Constabulary Force funds. The right of the Constabulary to these fines has been confirmed by the Superior Courts. In a certain case, application was made in accordance with the terms of the Act under which the proceedings were taken for a moiety of the penalty, which the petty sessions clerk refused to pay; and, therefore, advice has been given that the next case of that kind which occurs shall be used as a test case for settling the dispute.