HC Deb 28 March 1890 vol 343 c164
MR. GILL (Louth, S.)

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland whether it is competent to hold a secret Court of Inquiry under the Explosives Act; and, if so, under what conditions and restrictions?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. MADDEN,) University of Dublin

It is quite clear that a magistrate acting in Ireland under the 6th section of the Explosive Substances Act, 1883, may examine witnesses on oath and take their depositions otherwise than in open Court. Should the examination take place in the presence of any person charged with the offence his counsel or attorney are entitled to be present as of right.