§ MR. D. SULLIVAN (Westmeath, S.)(for Sir THOMAS ESMONDE) (Dublin Co., S.) asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If Constable Curry, of the F Division of the Metropolitan Police, employed at Kingstown, had his costs paid out of the Imperial Exchequer in the case against him by Mary Anne Smyth, at the Quarter Sessions held at Kingstown by the Recorder on the 15th of April last; and, if so, by what authority; and, if any certificate was given to Constable Curry, exonerating him from any blame in the matter of his conduct towards Miss Smyth; and, if so, by whom?
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY (Colonel KING-HARMAN) (Kent, Isle of Thanet)(who replied) said: Constable Curry was paid out of public funds the costs incurred by him in defending the case against him by Mary Anne Smyth at Kingstown. The payment was sanctioned by the then Attorney General, on the grounds that the constable had acted reasonably and to the best of his judgment in the fair discharge of his duty as a police officer. A certificate exonerating him from any blame in the matter of his conduct to- 1358 wards Miss Smyth was given by the Hon. the Recorder of Dublin upon the hearing of the case.