§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W., and Sligo, S.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he can inform the House of the names of the two Members added to the Commission on the Belfast riots? Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman would also say whether it is intended to ask Parliament to give powers to the Commission to order the attendance of witnesses as well as to administer oaths?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)That Question will depend upon the power that may be given to the Commissioners to administer the oath. With regard to the first Question of the hon. Member, I think I stated yesterday that I did not anticipate that I should be able to answer it to-day, and I would ask him to repeat it on Monday; but I have said nothing to imply that two Commissioners will be added to the Commission. It is necessary that a Judicial Commission of the kind should be small in number.
In reply to Mr. JOHN MORLEY (New-castle-on-Tyne),
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS - BEACHsaid: I did not intend yesterday to convey that the extension of the scope of the Commission would be of an important character. Of course, the scope of the Commission would be extended so as to include inquiry into the riots in August, as well as the previous riots. There are two other alterations, possibly of some little importance, which will be made in it, with a view rather to clear up the meaning of the Commission than to extend it. The proceedings and action taken by the magistrates will be interpreted to include the proceedings and action taken by either stipendiary or local magistrates; and the circumstances of the riots will be interpreted to include the origin of the riots and the causes of their continuance.
§ MR. SEXTONinquired whether the term "origin of the riots" would be held to include the present constitution and condition of the Orange Society?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHNo, Sir; I should think not.