HC Deb 05 February 1891 vol 350 cc21-2
SIR THOMAS ESMONDE (Dublin Co., S.)

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland if he can explain upon what charge, and upon whose authority, 11 women have been arrested in connection with an inquiry held at Castlerea under the Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act?

MR. MADDEN

An inquiry being proceeding at Castlerea under Section 1 of the Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act, 1887, the Resident Magistrate holding that inquiry issued, pursuant to the powers given by that Act, and by Section 13 of the Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act, 1851, warrants to compel the attendance of a number of witnesses, including those referred to in the question. These warrants were issued, as there was reason to believe that the attendance of the witnesses could not otherwise be obtained.

MR. SEXTON

What was the sequel of the case?

MR. MADDEN

I must ask the hon. Gentleman to put the question tomorrow.

MR. SEXTON

I will do so, but I think it is strange that the right hon. Gentleman is not able to answer it now.