§ MR. LONSDALEI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the evidence of Mr. E. T. McDermott, J.P., at Castlerea quarter sessions on 8th January, that in consequence of his refusal to attend the Ballintubber petty sessions and adjudicate on a case of cattle-driving in favour of the accused, when requested to do so by a deputation of the Ballintubber branch of the United Irish League, he was prevented from getting turf in Ballintubber, and a neighbour's cattle were driven on to his lands; and whether any persons 879 have been prosecuted for thus attempting to intimidate a magistrate.
§ MR. BIRRELLThe attention of the executive Government was called to Mr. McDermott's evidence which was to the effect stated by the hon. Member. The question of instituting a prosecution was carefully considered, but it was found that there was not sufficient evidence to justify proceedings in the case.