MR. O'BRIENasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether complaints have been made that Sub-Inspector Carter, of Mitchelstown, attempted, contrary to the Regulation of the force against controversial discussions, to dissuade Sub-Constable Browne, a constable under his charge, from becoming or remaining a convert to the Roman Catholic faith; and, whether, having regard to the fact that Sub-Inspector Carter has upwards of sixty Roman Catholic constables under his control, a sworn inquiry will be held as to his conduct?
§ MR. TREVELYANSir, I have not yet received a full answer from Dublin. I cannot, therefore, go into the question of whether a sworn inquiry was necessary. I have received a communication from Sub-Inspector Carter; but perhaps the hon. Member would like to have fuller information.
MR. O'BRIENUnder the circumstances I would ask the right hon. Gentleman to make inquiries amongst the police themselves as to what took place?
§ MR. TREVELYANsubsequently said: Perhaps the hon. Member for Mallow will allow me to answer his Question now. I have just received a communication on the matter, which states that no charges have been made against Sub-Inspector Carter, and the Inspector General is not aware of any ground to hold a sworn inquiry. Sub-Inspector Carter emphatically denies that he made any attempt to interfere with the faith of Sub-Constable Browne. On the contrary, he states that he told him, in the presence of a head constable and a sub-constable, both of them Roman Catholics, that "every man's mind was his kingdom."
MR. O'BRIENI wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman again if he will 42 make inquiries amongst the police themselves as to as to whether there is any foundation for the statement?
§ MR. TREVELYANThere must be a primâ facie ground for it before an inquiry is made.