HC Deb 28 October 1884 vol 293 cc352-3
MR. JUSTIN HUNTLY M'CARTHY

asked Mr. Solicitor General for Ireland, If he will state the reasons for issuing the following "confidential communication" to District Constabulary Inspectors in Ireland:— Joseph R. Cox. Midland Division, Crime Department, Mullingar, 24th June 1884. Mr. Jenkinson wishes to have the movements of the above-named watched, noted everywhere. Annexed is his description. By Order (signed), M. Jacques, D.I.C.S. Joseph R. Cox, Secretary to the Lord Mayor, Dublin, 97, Stephen's Green, Dublin, five feet ten inches, thirty-three years, rather stout, sandy hair, regular nose and mouth, fair complexion, round visage, small whiskers under ears; native of Kilmore, county Roscommon, wears glasses, dresses well, wears a silk hat; was arrested under Peace Preservation Act. He was an organiser of the late Land League. His principal associates are leading Nationalists?

THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. WALKER)

I stated yesterday, in answer to the hon. Member, that the communication referred to was issued in misapprehension to the County Inspector in one Division. It is not usual, and it would be detrimental to the interests of the Public Service, to state the reasons for issuing confidential communications to County Inspectors. I must, therefore, in this instance, respectfully decline to state them.