§ 13. Sir A. SPROTasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been directed to the evidence given on 27th May before the coroner's jury which inquired into the death of James Dalton at Limerick on 15th May last; whether Joseph Dalton, a brother of deceased, gave evidence that he was present at a Dail Eireann inquiry into allegations against James Dalton of having relations with the police, and produced a document which was called Dail Eireann official verdict in the case of James Dalton; whether the coroner accepted this document and handed it to the jury for their consideration; and whether it is proposed that the verdicts of illegal courts should be accepted by officials of the Government sitting in a judicial capacity and treated as material evidence for the consideration of the jury?
§ Mr. HENRYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It appears that a brother of the deceased 573 man produced a document to the effect mentioned in the question, which was read. The coroner is not an official of the Government, and the document in question was at once seized by the district inspector.
§ Sir JOHN BUTCHERIs there no control by the Government over the proceedings of coroners' courts?
§ Mr. HENRYThe coroner sits in a judicial capacity and is entitled to decide what documents he will receive or refuse to receive in evidence.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNDoes the Government assume any responsibility in connection with the verdicts brought in by coroners' courts?