HC Deb 17 November 1884 vol 293 c1851
MR. O'BRIEN

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, For what reason some of the papers of Mr. Matthew Harris of Ballinasloe, seized by the police, have not been returned; and, whether orders will be given that they shall be at once restored to their owner?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

Nearly all the papers seized were returned to Mr. Harris's solicitor a few days ago. The few still retained will be the subject of further consideration, and a final conclusion will be come to in regard to them without delay.

MR. PARNELL

I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman under what Act these papers belonging to Mr. Harris were seized, and under what Act they were detained so long?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I presume under the Prevention of Crime Act, though that is a point on which I cannot express a legal opinion; but I presume under the 14th section.

MR. PARNELL

Perhaps the hon. and learned Solicitor General for Ireland, who is present, would kindly state under what section of that Act these papers were seized? As I understand it, the 14th section only authorized the seizure of papers in reference to which there was a suspicion of an illegal act being committed.

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

That would probably be the case in this instance. Perhaps the hon. Member would kindly give Notice of the Question.