§ MR. BIGGARasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether his attention has been directed to the proceedings at Louth Petty Sessions, as reported in the "Dundalk Democrat" of 16th ultimo, from which it appears that on the conclusion of an assault case, in which justice was satisfied by the infliction of a five shillings fine, Mr. Lee Norman, the high sheriff of Louth, threatened, if more assaults were committed on his servants, he would write to the Castle and have the county proclaimed; and, whether the above threat was actually made, and do such representations have much weight in the guidance of the authorities at Dublin Castle when counties and districts are proclaimed?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTER, in reply, said, he must refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer he gave to a similar Question on the 29th ultimo. He then said he did not know whether the newspaper report was correct or not; but he could hardly suppose that the High Sheriff would speak of proclaiming the county, for that official must have known he had no power to do so. He need hardly say that such a statement, if made, would have no influence on the Government.
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERI did not think it necessary to do so.