§ MR. W. E. GLADSTONE (Edinburgh, Mid Lothian)asked the Chief 640 Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether, as contradictory statements have been placed before the world in a case where human life was involved, he will lay upon the Table the official records of all proceedings taken by any public authority in Ireland, in connection with the death of John Kinsella, including proceedings for damages or orther redress on account of the cattle seized at the time?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)If the right hon. Gentleman refers to the shorthand accounts of what took place in Court, I am not aware that any record of them exists. Certainly, there is no official record of them in the possession of the Government. But if, as I should rather gather, he alludes to the depositions on the inquisition before the Coroner, the depositions taken before the Magistrate, and the indictment and proceedings at the trial at Assize, it would be unusual and contrary to precedent to lay these upon the Table of the House. But they are all public records, and copies of them can be obtained by any Gentleman who desires it. The proceedings for damages on account of cattle seized are civil proceedings, with which the Government has no privity.
§ MR. W. E. GLADSTONEWill the right hon. Gentleman be kind enough to refer me to the Office where copies can be obtained?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI will inquire, and transmit the information to the right hon. Gentleman.