MR. O'BRIENasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, In what particulars the statement of Michael Banican, of Crossmaglen, county Armagh, respecting his treatment by the police, is unfounded; whether it is a fact that he was taken out of his bed by the police between the hours of eleven and twelve at night; whether he was removed to the Constabulary station at Crossmaglen without warrant shown or offence stated; whether he was informed that informations had been sworn against him by prisoners now in Armagh Goal awaiting trial on a charge of treason-felony; and, if so, whether any such informations were sworn; whether inducements were held out to him, or to members of his family, to 1744 incriminate these prisoners; whether he was discharged between two and three o'clock in the morning without being brought before a magistrate, or any charge preferred against him; why he was arrested, and why he was discharged; whether Michael Banican has called for an inquiry, and offered to substantiate his statement by the testimony of his wife, his mother-in-law, and himself; and, whether, under the circumstances, he will order an inquiry into the facts?
§ MR. TREVELYANSir, I have ah ready answered the greater part of this Question, stating that I believe the several allegations made to be unfounded. Banican was not arrested, and, therefore, I have no reason to give for his discharge. He has asked for an inquiry into certain statements made by him, but I do not think there is any reason to make further inquiry than I have already made. On public grounds I must decline to say anything more on this matter at present. I can appeal to the House to say that I never decline to give an answer in detail, unless for very serious reason.