MR. O'BRIENasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether an official shorthand writer was present at the whole or any part of the examinations of witnesses in Dublin Castle by Mr. J. A. Curran, Q.C., under the sixteenth Clause of the Crimes Act; and, if so, whether he will lay upon the Table a transcript of the shorthand writer's notes; and, whether he will state the length of time during which such witnesses were under examination, and whether it is true that they or any of them were proffered intoxicating drink during their detention at the Castle, or that they or any of them were subjected to threats or improper inducements by the presiding magis- 583 trate, or by any police officer in his presence?
§ MR. TREVELYANSir, an official shorthand writer was present during the greater part of the inquiry, but I cannot undertake to lay a transcript of his notes upon the Table of the House. The length of time during which the witnesses were under examination cannot be given. They were not subjected to threats or improper inducements during the inquiry, which was, I am assured by those responsible, conducted with propriety. No intoxicating drink was proffered them. The consequences of connecting the notion of intoxication with a judicial inquiry have already proved so dangerous to life that I trust nothing more will be heard of this utterly unfounded suggestion.