§ MR. GILHOOLY (Cork, W.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is a fact that District Inspector Crane usually occupies a seat on the magisterial bench at the Bantry and Dunno Petty Sessions Courts; and, whether he has made observations relating to the cases before the court; and, if so, whether steps will be taken to prevent his sitting in future on the magisterial bench?
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY (Colonel KING-HARMAN) (Kent, Isle of Thanet)(who replied): I understand District Inspector Crane has been in the habit of occupying a seat on the Bench at Petty Sessions at Bantry and elsewhere. But while so seated he does not appear to have made any observations on cases which came before the Bench beyond what he was bound to make in the discharge of his duty. It appears that it is a frequent practice throughout Ireland for Constabulary officers to be so seated at the invitation of the magistrate; but the Inspector General does not approve of it, and takes every opportunity of informing his officers so. I may add, he has written to Mr. Crane to that effect.