§ MR. GILHOOLY (Cork, W.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether District Inspector Crane, stationed at Bantry, attended at a recent Poor Law Election in the Seafin Electoral Division of the Bantry Union; whether he instructed Constable Quinn to give a voting paper, belonging to a Mr. Johnson, to Mr. J. E. Barrett, J. P., one of the candidates; whether Constable Quinn, knowing his duty, declined to obey the District Inspector's instructions; and, whether it is in accordance with the Police Regulations for District Inspectors to interfere in Poor Law Elections?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)The District Inspector was present on the occasion, in the discharge of his duty, for the preservation of the peace. He denies that he in any way interfered with the election, or gave such instructions to the constable as are alleged in the Question.