§ MR. SEXTONI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether there has been any inquiry by the Inspector General of the Royal Irish Constabulary as to the circumstances under which Constable Millar of that Force fractured the skull of a man named Francis Coogan by a blow of his baton, in Belfast, on the night of the 10th ultimo; and whether Coogan's life is or has been in danger?
§ MR. JACKSONThe Constabulary Authorities report that the constable alleges that he was attacked by the man referred to, and that he struck him in self-defence. The man's life does not appear to have ever been in actual danger. It is understood that legal proceedings are contemplated against the constable by the complainant, when the circumstances will be fully investigated on oath.
§ MR. SEXTONIf there are no legal proceedings will there be an inquiry?
§ MR. JACKSONI think the hon. Member will see that if proceedings are going to be taken it is desirable that the case should not be prejudiced on one side or the other.
§ MR. JACKSONI do not think I can go into that matter.