§ MR. KILBRIDE (Kerry, S.)I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland whether he is aware that during the term of office of Arthur Hutchins, late of Roughty, Kenmare, who was for some years Barony Constable in Kerry, there was considerable defalcations in connection with the collection of the County Cess; if so, what was the amount of the defalcations; who were his sureties, and for what amount; and what steps have the Grand Jury taken to recover the amount?
§ MR. MADDENThe matter in question is not one in any way under the control of the Government. But the Secretary to the Grand Jury states that the entire amount of County Cess due by Mr. Hutchins at the time he ceased to be collector was £2,484 5s., of which, however, it was stated that a portion had not been collected. Messrs. H. Stokes and T. Bateman were his sureties in bonds of £2,500 and £4,000, and proceedings, by direction of the Grand Jury, under the advice of counsel, were immediately instituted against them. These proceedings have not yet reached a successful 210 issue, but, in the opinion of their legal advisers, there is no doubt that the amount of the default will be recovered.
§ MR. KILBRIDEWhat is the nature of the proceedings? A considerable period of time has now elapsed since the money became due—three or four years, I believe.
§ MR. MADDENThe matter is one which is not in the hands of the Government.
§ MR. KILBRIDEIs it not the fact that this gentleman is now in the employment of the hon. Member for South Hunts (Mr. Smith-Barry)?
§ MR. MADDENI have given all the information in my possession.
§ MR. DILLONDo not the Government possess the same power of imprisoning a defaulter in this case as they have exercised in imprisoning a Poor Law Guardian who has been surcharged?
§ MR. MADDENI have no power whatever to interfere between the Grand Jury and a debtor, or to give them any advice.