§ MR. MACVEAGHI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state the terms of the censure passed on T. P. Nolan by Mr. Justice Kenny, in the course of the trial of the Aungier Street Post Office case in Dublin, on February 17th; whether, seeing that Mr. Nolan was examined on behalf of the Crown in the prosecution of the staff of the Irish People newspaper in September,1902, and that he is a Civil servant, he will say whether there are any special terms or conditions attached to his appointment permitting him to devote part of his time to his official duties and part to testifying as an expert in handwriting; whether he receives any remuneration for evidence given as to handwriting, and whether any deduction is made from his pay as a Civil servant for time thus occupied; and whether it is proposed to continue his services in the dual capacity.
§ MR. ATKINSON (for Mr. WYNDHAM)I have seen a newspaper report of the observations of the Judge, but am unable 25 to say whether it is accurate. The reply to the second inquiry is in the affirmative, Dr. Nolan is employed as a clerk in the Department of the Local Government Board. The only regulation bearing on the subject of his employment, so far as I am aware, is one which prohibits a Civil servant from accepting any part in the management of any society, or any trading, commercial, or financial company, which would require his attendance at any time between the hours of 10 a. m. and 6 p. m. Dr. Nolan is required to devote his entire time to the services of the Department from 10 a. m. to 5 p. m. or such later hour as may be necessary, except during his annual vacation or leave of absence. No deduction is made from his salary when he is absent on leave.
§ MR. MACVEAGHWhat right has an official who is supposed to serve the country in the Local Government Board from 10 a. m. to 5 p. m. to go up and down the country giving evidence at trials?
§ MR. ATKINSONThe whole question is under consideration.