HC Deb 03 July 1879 vol 247 cc1283-4
MR. ERRINGTON

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether a Circular, dated May 2nd 1879, was addressed from Dublin Castle to the Magistrates at Petty Sessions, giving them directions as to the manner in which their statut-able powers are to be exercised, directions tending to encourage the practice of dealing summarily with offenders out of Petty Sessions; and, whether he will lay upon the Table a Copy of the Circular in question?

MR. J. LOWTHER

Sir, the intention of the Circular in question was certainly not to encourage the practice of dealing summarily with offenders out of petty sessions. On reading it, however, I think some paragraphs are liable to misconstruction, and, therefore, I think it better that the Circular should be revised. As to laying a copy of the Circular on the Table, I may say that when the new Circular is issued I shall have no objection to lay both on the Table of the House.