§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether, at the Poor Law inquiry recently held by Dr. Burke at Edenderry, King's County, Mr. George Dunne, Commissioner for taking affidavits, was examined as a witness; whether, on that occasion, ho swore that one Behan was a monthly tenant of his at a pound a month, and that at the last payment Behan paid six pounds together for six months' rent; whether the counsel for the other side handed to the inspector four half-yearly receipts for rent given by Dunne to Behan, dated May and November in each year; whether the evidence and receipts are still in the hands of the Local Government Board; and, whether the matter has been brought under the notice of the Lord Chancellor or other Government official with a view to a prosecution?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThe facts are substantially as stated in the Question, and Mr. Dunne added in his evidence that he accepted the rent from Behan in sums to suit his convenience. There was no conflict of evidence as to the fact of Mr. Dunne accepting half a-year's rent at a time from Behan, who was rated as the occupier of the house, and was allowed to vote; and the only difference of opinion appears to be as to whether Behan should be regarded as a yearly or a monthly tenant. There is, therefore, nothing in the case 1405 rendering it necessary to bring it under the notice of the Lord Chancellor, or any other Government official, with a view to a prosecution.