§ MR. BERNARD KELLY (Donegal, E.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If it is a fact that John Gartley, county cess collector for the parish of Kilcar, in the county of Donegal, hag, in a large number of cases, made overcharges in his cess collections; if this practice has extended over a considerable period; if recently, after various complaints had been made, Gartley went through his district and (pretending that his overcharges were only mistakes in his figures) offered to refund the sums paid over and above the amount for which the parties were liable; and, if an inquiry, with a view to having justice done, will be directed?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. JOHN MORLEY) (Newcastle-on-Tyne)Cess collectors are appointed by the Grand Jury, and are responsible to them. Anybody having any complaint against them should, make it before the Grand Jury; the Government cannot, therefore, hold any inquiry into the matter. I am advised, however, that if the cess collector has obtained any money from persons under false pretences, he can, upon sworn evidence being brought forward, be prosecuted for that offence.