HC Deb 21 March 1889 vol 334 cc410-1
MR. T. M. HEALY

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Crown briefs in agrarian and conspiracy trials since 1879 are still in existence; whether the panels upon which many Catholic jurors are ordered to "stand by" by the Crown since 1879 had been destroyed; whether the various petitions of the Invincible, Patrick Delaney, were still extant; and whether, if any of the foregoing were in the possession of the Government, the advisers of the parties before the Special Commission would be allowed access to them for the purpose of their defence?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

As I have already said more than once, I cannot answer questions of this kind across the floor of the House. The proper course is for the solicitors for any of the parties to make application in the usual manner to the Irish Government for such documents as they may desire.

MR. T. M. HEALY

I want to know, Sir, whether the Crown panels are still in existence, as Catholics, as a matter of fact, have been excluded from the juries?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I am sorry the hon. and learned Member should have taken the opportunity of putting a Question to make an unfounded charge, but I think he will see that the matter is one in which I cannot give him the information asked for. The hon. Member had better make his own application.

MR. T. M. HEALY

In my own defence I will apply.