§ MR. M. AUSTIN (Limerick, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if his attention has been directed to the letter dated this month to the Lord Chancellor of Ireland by Mr. James Blackwell, of Askeaton, county Limerick, in reference to an assault case at the suit of The Queen v. Thomas and Patrick Horrigan, in which he asserts that he was struck by the defendants with a two-pronged fork, and his life declared in danger for over 10 days; and that, notwithstanding his depositions, the case at hearing was entered as one of common assault only, and resulted in a fine of only 5s. against only one of the defendants; and whether he will direct an inquiry to be made into the conduct of District Inspector Webster as regards the institution and course of the proceedings complained of, and the action of the adjudicating magistrates?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURMy attention has not been directed to the letter in question. Upon the information before me, it duos not appear that the district inspector acted otherwise than in a regular and impartial manner. I do not propose, nor have I any power, to investigate the action of the magistrates who adjudicated in the case.
§ MR. M. AUSTINMay I ask why it was that this inspector altered the charge from one of inflicting grievous bodily harm to one of common assault, and why the medical certificate was withheld from the magistrate?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! Notice must be given of that Question.