HC Deb 07 August 1888 vol 329 cc1853-4
THE LORD MAYOR OF DUBLIN (Mr. SEXTON) (Belfast, W.)

I wish to ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland, with reference to his contradiction in the debate last night of my statement with regard to Mr. Latchford's release from custody yesterday by the Court of Exchequer, that the Court was of opinion that there was no evidence to sustain the charge of riot against Mr. Latchford, Whether it did not appear in the course of the proceedings, and was not contradicted, that everybody charged, except Mr. Latchford, had been either acquitted by the magistrate or the charge against them abandoned by the police; whether Mr. Latchford was the sole person charged; whether Baron Dowse, in his Judgment, declared that be quashed the conviction because it was impossible for one man to commit a riot; and, therefore, whether the fact is that the Court of Exchequer discharged Mr. Latchford, not only because there was no evidence of the charge against him, but because it was impossible for him to be guilty of the charge?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)

I gave the hon. Gentleman yesterday the information I had received on the subject. I had not seen the report to which he alludes; but if he will he good enough to put a Question on the Paper I will be glad to answer it.

MR. SEXTON

I desire to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, assuming that the facts of the case are as I have stated—[Cries of "Order!"] This is a personal matter, and I am entitled to a personal explanation. If I cannot put a Question I will move the adjournment. I desire to ask whether, if the facts are as I have stated, the right hon. Gentleman will withdraw the contradiction which he flung across the floor of the House at me last night?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

If this is a personal question between the hon. Gentleman and myself, of course, if a further investigation of the facts of the case convinces me that in anything I have said in debate, or in answer to Questions, I committed an error, I shall be glad to confess my error, as I am glad to confess any error.

MR. SEXTON

I will put the Question on Thursday.