HC Deb 30 October 1884 vol 293 cc526-7
MR. HEALY

asked Mr. Solicitor General for Ireland, Has it been the practice, regularly, occasionally, or ever, to give prisoners' counsel copies of printed Crown briefs; if so, why was this not done in the Maamtrasna case; was the Judge provided with a copy, or with copies of the depositions; and, who is responsible for withholding the dying declarations of Michael and Patrick Joyce from the defence?

THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. WALKER)

It is not the practice to give prisoners' counsel copies of printed Crown briefs. When depositions are printed and the prisoner's counsel or attorney applies for them it is usual to give them. No such application was made in the Maamtrasna case. The Judge was provided with copies of the depositions. The third paragraph implies a charge which I entirely repudiate. The prosecuting counsel had the conduct of the case, and bear all the responsibility connected with it.

MR. HEALY

The hon. and learned Gentleman has not answered my Question. I asked if it had been the practice regularly, occasionally, or ever, to give prisoners copies of printed Crown briefs; and I also wish to know whether in this case a copy was supplied to the Judge?

THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. WALKER)

It has not been the practice regularly. I cannot say that the practice has ever been departed from.

MR. HEALY

Can the hon. and learned Gentleman say yes or no to the question, did the Judge get a copy of the printed Crown brief?

THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. WALKER)

Yes, he did, I believe.