§ MR. HEALYasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If he will state the result of the Government inquiries into the charges brought by Mrs. Eliza Colgan against Mr. Thomas Gerrard, Crown Solicitor, Queen's County, in the matter of the trust property of a deceased convict; how many years has the inquiry been proceeding; and, what steps do the Executive intend to take in the matter?
§ MR. TREVELYANSir, so long as over 13 years ago Mrs. Colgan, who certainly is much to be pitied, was informed that the Government could not interfere in it. Mrs. Colgan has repeatedly renewed her appeals to the Government; but it is impossible to give her any other reply. She has been advised that if she considers that she has any claim upon Mr. Gerrard, she should place her case in the hands of her legal adviser.
§ MR. HEALYThis was a trust property of a deceased person to which she succeeded to the title. Is it possible 796 that there is no way of obtaining redress from the Government for the poor woman?
§ MR. TREVELYANUnfortunately, the Government officer, the former Crown Solicitor, had also been acting in the capacity of her private solicitor when he took the action, which I think quite as strongly upon as the hon. Member. I am afraid there is no means of redress open.