HC Deb 19 April 1888 vol 324 cc1717-8
MR. BYRNE (Wicklow, W.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether his attention has been drawn to the allegation that a letter purporting to be signed by a Mr. Douglas, and inciting a rate collector of the Baltinglass Union to put a false date to a receipt for rates, was written but not delivered, because it was intercepted, and that the letter referred to is now in the hands of The Leinster Leader, who offers to have its genuineness tested at a public inquiry; and, whether, in consequence of this allegation, and in consideration of the serious charge it involves, he will order a sworn inquiry into all the facts of the case?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)

I have no knowledge with regard to the letter referred to beyond the fact that its existence was alleged in the hon. Member's previous Question, and therefore I cannot give an answer one way or the other. I would, however, suggest to the hon. Member that the best course to take would be to arrange that the letter should be sent to the Local Government Board, with full proofs of its authen- ticity, and the method of its interception.

MR. CLANCY (Dublin Co., N.)

Would the right hon. Gentleman grant a sworn inquiry if the letter were sent on?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I can make no promise.

MR. CLANCY

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen a letter from Mr. Dagg, clerk to the Baltinglass Union, to the Secretary of the Irish Local Government Board, stating that Mr. Driver, the rate collector, had the same request made to him by another person; and does the right hon. Gentleman consider it any part of his duty to inquire who it was?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I have not seen the letter.

MR. CLANCY

It has been addressed to your Secretary in Dublin.