HC Deb 04 March 1884 vol 285 cc494-5
MR. O'BRIEN

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is a fact that the policemen engaged in distributing voting papers for the election of Poor Law Guardians in the Bantry Union were driven about on a private car belonging to Mr. J. W. Payne, a land agent interested in the election; and, if so, whether they will be warned against any display of partiality while performing that duty?

MR. TREVELYAN

, in reply, said, he was informed it was not the case that in the elections of last year, to which he presumed this Question referred, any policemen engaged in distributing voting papers were driven about in a private car belonging to J. W. Payne. The circumstances which probably caused the statement was, that one of the men was given a seat on a car belonging to another person named Payne, a nephew of the gentleman mentioned. The District Inspector of Constabulary stated the men were strictly cautioned last year against any partiality, and he (the District Inspector) did not believe that the caution was neglected in any instance. The caution would be repeated this year.