HC Deb 07 November 1884 vol 293 cc1216-7
MR. O'BRIEN

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether his attention has been called to the fact that Colonel Bruce, Inspector General of Constabulary, was examined on behalf of Detective French, as a witness to character, in the late trials at Dublin; whether it is the fact that Colonel Bruce held an investigation with respect to the charges against Mr. French in September 1883, and, on the strength of his inquiries, suspended Mr. French from duty a month before the appearance of the libel for which Mr. French proceeded against United Ireland; and, whether, on cross-examination by the Crown Counsel, Colonel Bruce was asked any question as to his investigation, or as to Mr. French's suspension; and, if not, for what reason?

THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. WALKER)

, in reply, said, that Colonel Bruce was examined on the trial of Mr. French by Mr. French's counsel with reference to this period of Mr. French's service in the Force. Colonel Bruce did not, on the strength of any inquiry held by him, suspend French from duty a month before the appearance of the libel in United Ireland. The article which first called Colonel Bruce's attention to the matter appeared in the issue of the 25th August. Colonel Bruce at once called French's attention to it, and required him to state what steps he would take in reference to the charge. Colonel Bruce also, as Head of the Force, commenced an informal private inquiry; but learning that French was about to bring an action, took no further proceedings. Nothing transpired before Colonel Bruce to establish guilt. French had gone on sick leave on the 6th of August, and as his action was about to be brought, he was directed not to report himself till called on. He was not in any other sense suspended. Colonel Bruce was not asked on cross-examination, and could not be asked, any question as to his inquiry, which could in any way establish Mr. French's guilt.

MR. O'BRIEN

Do I understand the hon. and learned Gentleman to say that Colonel Bruce was allowed to be examined as a witness as to character in the case, and was not asked a question as to the circumstances of the suspension of French?

THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. WALKER)

was understood to say such a question could not be asked.

MR. GIBSON

Is it a fact that Colonel Bruce was summoned in the ordinary way by the prisoner, and did not appear as a volunteer?

THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. WALKER)

Certainly.