§ MR. M'CARTAN (Down, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the Irish News of the 28th April, containing a report of a statement made by County Court Judge Neligan, Q.C., at Magherafelt Sessions on Wednesday last, to the effect that the state of the Courthouse there was "a shame and a scandal"; whether he is aware that His Honour felt obliged to adjourn the Court, to the great inconvenience of the public; that the same Judge has repeatedly called attention to the intolerable state of the Courthouse; and that the matter was brought before the Grand Jury of Derry at the last Assizes, but was opposed by the County Surveyor; and whether, considering the danger to the health of the Judge and the Bar and the inconvenience to the public, some steps will be taken to render this Courthouse fit for the sitting of a Court?
§ *THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. JACKSON,) Leeds, N.The subject-matter of this question is one over which the Executive Government have no control, this matter resting wholly with the Grand Jury. I have endeavoured to obtain some information on the matters of fact, but so far no Report has reached me.
§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that again on Friday the Judge referred to the objectionable smells and state of the Court as dangerous to health, and will he address a remonstrance to the Derry Grand Jury on the subject?
§ *MR. JACKSONAs I have said, we have no responsibility, power, or control in the matter, but I have endeavoured to gather some information as to matters of fact.
§ MR. SEXTONUnless something is done we must take the opinion of the House upon the subject.