HC Deb 09 March 1897 vol 47 c297
MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

On behalf of the hon. Member for Dublin, St. Patrick (Mr. W. FIELD), I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state where the Puffin inquiry will be held, and what is the date fixed; and, whether the same solicitor is to act for the Board of Trade and the Irish Lights Board?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. C. T. RITCHIE,) Croydon

The Inquiry in the ease of the Puffin is fixed for hearing at the Four Courts, Dublin, on the 16th instant, at noon. The solicitor conducting the Inquiry on behalf of the Board of Trade will not represent the Irish Lights Commissioners.

MR. MICHAEL AUSTIN (Limerick, W.)

I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, as most of the witnesses come from Cork and Queenstown, it would not be wise to hold the Inquiry at Cork?

MR. RITCHIE

I am not aware of the places from which the witnesses are most likely to come, but it has been decided that Dublin is the best place to hold the Inquiry.

MR. MAURICE HEALY (Cork)

Who came to that decision?

MR. RITCHIE

The Irish Lights Commissioners.

MR. MAURICE HEALY

Are they not practically the accused in this case?

MR. RITCHIE

I do not think it is suggested that they wish for anything but a perfectly fair and open Inquiry.

MR. AUSTIN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the witnesses from Cork and Limerick have to go to Dublin at their own expense?