Mr. HORNERasked how many witnesses were summoned by the Crown to petty sessions and assizes respectively in the case of alleged riot and assault, the King versus Simpson and others, tried at the last Omagh Assizes; how many of these were examined for the prosecution at each hearing; what were the total sums for expenses allowed respectively to the witnesses examined for the prosecution at each hearing, and to those so summoned but not examined; what official fixed the amounts, and on whose instructions; and whether steps will be taken to have the expenses of those so summoned but not examined for the prosecution paid at the same rate as those who were examined for the prosecution?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI understand that eleven witnesses were summoned by the Crown to petty sessions, and thirty to assizes in this case. The thirty witnesses summoned to assizes included twenty summoned for the defence. Nine witnesses were examined for the prosecution at each hearing. The total amount allowed to witnesses examined for the prosecution was £5 11s. at petty sessions, and £34 19s. 6d. at assizes. No expenses were paid to witnesses summoned, but not examined at petty sessions. The total amount paid to witnesses summoned to the assizes but not examined for the prosecution was £26 18s. The Crown Solicitor fixes the amounts to be paid in accordance with the Treasury scale. It is not proposed to interfere with his discretion, or to increase the amounts allowed to witnesses.