§ Mr. BARNESasked the Chief Secretary if he promised at Bristol that, in any inquiry into the conduct of the police at Dublin, there would be a lay representative on the Commission; if not, will he state the terms of the promise and the composition of the Commission which has been taking evidence; if he is aware that the organised workers of Dublin have expressed lack of confidence in the Commission which has been set up; and if, having regard to that fact, he will have the whole question reopened before a widely representative body?
§ Mr. BIRRELLIt is true that I expressed the hope at Bristol that it would be found possible to constitute a Court of Inquiry into the Dublin disturbances composed of three members, one a judge and chairman, another someone personally acquainted with the traditions of a police force, and the third someone who might be taken to represent the working classes. Every effort was made by me and others to constitute a Commission after this fashion, but it was found impossible to do so. The Lord Lieutenant had, therefore, no choice but to fall back upon precedents in similar cases, and His Excellency was, in my opinion, extremely fortunate to have secured the services of two eminent men well acquainted with the city of Dublin and also well qualified by their impartiality and legal training to conduct the inquiry in a judicial manner. I am aware the constitution of the Court of Inquiry has been criticised, but as I am sure that nothing can be said against the inquiry or the impartiality of the Commissioners, or as to the manner in which they have discharged their duties, I see no reason whatever to reopen an inquiry which has now been concluded.