MR. ABRAHAM (Cork Co., N.E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state on what date the sworn Inquiry (already consented to by the Local Government Board) will be 1146 held at the Mallow Union, and the name of the gentleman who will preside; if he is aware that much local interest is taken by the ratepayers and the public in the matters to be inquired into: and whether representatives of the Press will be permitted to be present, so that those concerned may be able to see a full report of the proceedings?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThe inquiry referred to will be held by Mr. Lynch Staunton, one of the Board's inspectors, and the Board will communicate with him as to the date upon which he can arrange to open it. I believe the fact is as stated in the second paragraph. The question whether representatives of the Press shall be admitted to these Inquiries is one which is in- variably left to the discretion of the inspector holding the Inquiry, though, as a matter of fact, it is not the practice to exclude the Press except under very exceptional circumstances.
MR. ABRAHAM (Cork Co., N.E.)Will the right honourable Gentleman suggest to the inspector that the Press should be admitted.
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURNo, Sir. This must be left to the discretion of the inspector.