§ MR. R. M. DANE (Fermanagh, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether the Irish Local Government Board, as the result of a sworn Inquiry recently held by their inspector, Mr. Richard Kelly, has decided that no grounds existed for the charge preferred against John R. M'Gahey, the porter of the Irvinestown Union, by one Edward M'Elroy; and, if so, will the report of the Inquiry be placed before the Irish Law Officers with a view to the prosecution of M'Elroy for giving false evidence?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThe only evidence adduced at the investigation held in this case was that given by the complainant on the one side and by the porter and a female inmate on the other side. The evidence being contradictory and there being no corroboration of the charge preferred, the Local Government Board held that it had not been proved. Under these circumstances my hon. and learned Friend will perceive that no useful object could be gained by laying the papers before the Law Officers, as suggested, with a view to criminal proceedings. If the porter feels himself aggrieved he can, of course, take proceedings for libel against the complainant.