§ MR. COX (Clare, E.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether three convictions have been recorded within the last month at Achill Petty Sessions against policemen, one being a wanton assault committed by Sub-constable Conalty on a boatman named John Patten for refusing to bring him illicit whiskey (poteen); and, whether information has reached him that many of the coastguards in the Island of Achill are in the habit of procuring illicit whiskey, through Neil Gallagher Dagort and others, and encouraging into the Island the importation of illicit whiskey, to the detriment and demoralization of the inhabitants; and, if so, will the Government grant an inquiry into the matter?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)Reference to the Island of Achill had to be made in this case, and the reply has not yet come to hand.