§ 33. Mr. MOONEYasked the Chief secretary whether he is aware that during the last six months six summonses have been issued by the Royal Irish Constabulary against Mrs. Margaret Byrne, licensed vintner, of Margaret Street, Newry, for alleged breaches of the licensing laws; whether he is aware that in each case the police prosecution failed and the cases were dismissed; whether Mrs. Byrne has been put to considerable expense in defending these cases; and whether he will take steps to see that this licence holder is not subjected to a repetition of such charges?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe police authorities inform me that Mrs. Byrne has been summoned on five occasions during the past nine months for breaches of the licensing laws. While in each of these cases the charge against Mrs. Byrne was dismissed, the parties found drinking on the premises on three of the occasions were convicted and fined. I have no reason to believe that the police are doing any more than their duty in regard to the supervision of this public-house.
§ Mr. MOONEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that with the last case the chairman of the bench said there was not a particle of evidence to justify the charge—the action of the police?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI will call the attention of the police to this matter, but I am not at all disposed to induce them to relax their vigilance.