§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W., and Sligo, S.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether, at 12 o'clock on the night of the 29th of June last, District Inspector Smith, of Riverstown, county Sligo, accompanied by Acting Sergeant Glennon and a constable, demanded admission to the house of Mr. Willis, Bally-rush, and, having entered the house, proceeded to search it; whether District Inspector Smith unlocked, by means of a key which he had brought with him, a box, the property of the Ballyrush Branch of the Irish National League, and examined the papers contained in it; and, what were the reasons and authority for this proceeding?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. HOLMES) (Dublin University)(who replied) said: I am informed that the statements in the Question are substantially correct. The Sub-Inspector reports that he acted under the authority of a warrant to search for specimens of handwriting given by Colonel Ffolliott, a magistrate. I may add that I do not understand, and am not satisfied with, this explanation, and I have asked for a copy of the warrant 185 and the information, if any, on which it was based. I intend to investigate the matter fully.
§ MR. SEXTONWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman lay a copy of the warrant on the Table of the House?
§ MR. HOLMESAs I have not seen the document I am not prepared to answer that Question.