§ MR. HEALYasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If he could state why was ex-sub-constable Walsh not paid his expenses for attendance as a witness at the Cork Winter Assizes, from the 5th December to the 21st December (when the assizes were adjourned), and from the 3rd January to 16th January, notwithstanding that his certificate of attendance was signed by the Crown Solicitor for the first period; if he will state why "Walsh was ordered from Cork on 10th February, at his own expense, to Kanturk, where he was informed of his discharge, when he might have been informed of his discharge in Cork, and save the expense of such transfer, having been at the time stationed at Zuckey Street Station, Cork; and, whether any instructions will be given to make good what the man was out of pocket?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTER, in reply, said, the Crown Solicitor informed him that he distinctly refused to give Walsh a certificate, inasmuch as he was not examined for the Crown. He could not say whether he signed the certificate for attendance prior to the trial. If he did so, it was on the erroneous supposition that the Sub-Constable was a witness on behalf of the Crown.
§ MR. HEALYIs it quite unusual to pay the expenses of witnesses who attend to give evidence, otherwise than on the part of the Crown?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERThat is a legal question that I cannot answer.