HC Deb 28 February 1889 vol 333 cc590-1
MR. JOHN MORLEY (Newcastle-upon-Tyne)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, what is the number of convictions during the year 1888 under the Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act (1) for intimidation; (2) for riot; and (8) for taking forcible possession.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The number of convictions during the year 1888 under the Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act under the heads indicated in the Question were as follows:—(1) For intimidation, 137; (2) for riot, 164; (3) for taking forcible possession, 50. I have also been asked if I would lay on the Table a Return which I quoted, showing the percentage of convictions by Jurors and Magistrates. I do not think it is a proper paper to lay on the Table, because the result was simply arrived at by a sum in arithmetic from Returns already in possession of the House. On page 24 of the Criminal and Judicial Statistics for the year 1887, it is stated that the total number of persons proceeded against under the Crimes Act was 628, of whom 414 were convicted, a percentage of 66. A little lower down on the same page it is stated that 1,991 were tried by Jury in the same year, and practieally 71 per cent were convicted. These were the figures I gave to the House.

MR. T. M. HEALY

May I ask whether, in a case where the Government, for the same speech, for the same act of intimidation, frame half-a-dozen different charges—that is to say, in a speech one might be charged probably with riot, taking part in an illegal conspiracy, taking part in an illegal assembly, and also intimidation—having obtained a conviction on one charge, the Government direct the Magistrates to enter acquittals on the others?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I should like to inquire into the matter; but what I apprehend is the fact is, that if a man is tried on several charges and is convicted under one and not under the others, if the others are withdrawn I presume he would not be returned as having been convicted under them.

MR. T. M. HEALY

And the Magistrates are credited with making so many acquittals?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I am afraid I cannot answer that question off-hand. My information is only taken from the ordinary statistical information.