§ MR. KENNYasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If his attention has been called to the Report of proceedings in the Belfast Police Court, reported in The Northern Whig of 8th September 1883, according to which a woman, residing in Greenland Street, was summoned by Sub-Constable Gallen for having sold drink without a licence, and the evidence of Gallen went to show that the house was one of evil repute and a "shebeen;" if it was also shown in evidence that the presiding magistrate, Mr. Haslett, J.P. was the landlord of the premises in question, and, upon this being stated, Mr. Haslett remarked that "he was afraid he did not get much profit out of it;" if it is usual for magistrates to adjudicate in cases wherein they themselves are implicated; if he can state why the Police, knowing the landlord, did not prosecute him; and, if any steps have been taken by the Government to express disapproval of Mr. Haslett's conduct?
§ MR. TREVELYANSir, my attention has not previously been called to this case. It appears that the defendant was convicted of keeping a she been house, and there was not sufficient evidence that the house was one of ill-fame to justify proceedings on that account. Mr. Haslett, one of the presiding magistrates, was the landlord of the premises in respect of which the proceedings under the Licensing Act were taken. This being so, he should not have adjudicated 496 in the case. I am advised, however, that it would not be the duty of the police to prosecute him on that account. I will consult the Law Officers as to what further notice the case demands.