§ Mr. DEVLINasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether his attention has been called to the fact that, in the case of Thomas McMahon, who was fined £l and £2 costs at the Whiteabbey petty sessions, held on 8th July instant, for alleged illegal trawling in Belfast Lough, the defendant was only served with the summons the night before the trial, and had no time to prepare evidence; and whether, since the defendant is willing to prove to the satisfaction of the Board that it was impossible that the evidence on which he was convicted could be true, the Department will order an independent inquiry into the matter?
§ Mr. T. W. RUSSELLThe summons was served on Thomas McMahon's wife on the 4th instant, and a copy was posted on his vessel on the 5th instant. McMahon did not then raise any question as to insufficient notice. The Department cannot review the decision of the magistrates. McMahon had a right of appeal, but did not exercise it.