HC Deb 09 September 1887 vol 321 cc24-5
MR. TUITE (Westmeath, N.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether, at the Glasson Petty Sessions held on the 8th instant, Mr. John P. Hayden, T.C., editor of The Westmeath Examiner, was convicted before a Court of Summary Jurisdiction, under the Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act, and sentenced to three months' imprisonment with hard labour, for "obstructing police constables and other ministers of the Law while in the execution of their duty," in assisting the Sub-Sheriff of Westmeath to carry out certain evictions at Coolvin, in the County of Westmeath, on the 17th ultimo; and, where both or either of the Resident Magistrates who presided at the Petty Sessions qualified by their legal knowledge and experience to administer the Act; if so, what are their qualifications; and, whether the evidence of the Sheriff at the hearing of the case was in favour of the prisoner?

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY (Colonel KING-HARMAN) (Kent, Isle of Thanet)

(who replied) said: This Question only appeared upon the Paper for the first time this morning. I was in hopes to have received a telegram containing full information on the subject; but I have not received it yet. I am aware, however, that the portions of the first paragraph with regard to the sentences are substantially correct, and the sentences were substantially as laid down. The two magistrates, I believe, were Major Boulby and Mr. Stewart; and I presume the Lord Lieutenant was satisfied of their legal qualifications.

MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

I wish to ask, whether it is a fact that these two military gentlemen both served in the Army up to 41; and with regard to which of them has the Lord Lieutenant satisfied himself of his legal knowledge?

COLONEL KING-HARMAN

Sir, I have stated that I have not received sufficient information to enable me to complete the answer to the latter part of the Question. It rests with, the Lord Lieutenant to decide as to the legal knowledge of the magistrates. I am not aware that either of these gentlemen served in the Army, or as to the date at which they left.