§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)May I ask the right hon. Gentleman the Chief Secretary for Ireland, is it true, as stated in the newspapers, that he has already resigned or is about to resign his Office?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)I have no objection to answer. It is one of those ridiculous fictions so current in the Irish Press.
§ MR. CLANCY (Dublin Co., N.)May I ask, whether the Irish Press to which the right hon. Gentleman refers is not a supporter of the right hon. Gentleman?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURdid not reply.
§ MR. CLANCYMay I ask, with reference to the Question put by my hon. Friend the Member for South Roscommon (Mr. Commins), and as it is a matter of urgency—because I understand the Crown have refused at three or four different times to comply with the Provisions of the Act of Parliament, and as the trial is proceeding, and will also be on to-morrow—may I ask, are we to be told in this House that the Crown have no information on questions of this sort—namely, whether they are content to sanction a distinct violation of an Act of Parliament?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURNo, Sir. If I am asked distinctly that Question, I shall have no difficulty in stating that the Crown are not prepared to sanction a distinct violation of an Act of Parliament.
§ MR. CLANCYThen will the right hon. Gentleman telegraph to his managers at Castlerea, and press them to produce these depositions that have been so repeatedly refused by the Crown?
§ [No reply.]