§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)asked Mr. Attorney General for Ireland, Whether it is the fact that, while in other 1767 parts of Ireland compensation can be levied off the ratepayers in the case of witnesses, magistrates, and peace officers killed or injured on account of their efforts to bring disturbers of the peace to justice: this is not the case in the Borough of Belfast, owing to an omission in the Belfast Private Act of 1865 (28 & 29 Vict. c. 183), transferring the jurisdiction of the Grand Jury of the County Antrim to the Belfast Town Council; whether, owing to this defect in the Law, a number of persons, including Sub - Inspector Stretch and the representatives of Head Constable Gardiner, have been deprived of compensation to which they would otherwise be entitled; whether, as promised last Session, he has looked into the matter with a view to having the law amended; and, whether he intends to propose any legislation on the subject?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. HOLMES) (Dublin University)I have considered the matter carefully since the last Session, and it seems to me that the law is unsatisfactory. The Report of the Belfast Riots Commission is now being considered by myself and Colleagues as a whole, and this matter will receive careful consideration.
§ MR. SEXTONCan the right hon. and learned Gentleman state how soon the Report will be before the House?
§ MR. HOLMESI cannot answer that Question. That should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary.