HC Deb 20 June 1890 vol 345 cc1495-6
MR. RICHARD POWER (Waterford)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether Mr. H. D. Fisher, of Waterford, has been imprisoned for the publication of reports of National League meetings in the Munster Express, although it was proved at the trial that he did not sign the certificate of registration as publisher, and no evidence was given that he was the editor or publisher of that newspaper?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I am informed that, notwithstanding the circumstance mentioned by the hon. Member, ample evidence was produced that Mr. Fisher was printer and publisher of the newspaper mentioned.

MR. SEXTON

Was there evidence forthcoming that Mr. Fisher signed the certificate? Will he indicate what the nature of the evidence was which fixed him with the responsibility?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

No Sir; I cannot. If there is any doubt as to the legality of the conviction, it is possible for the person aggrieved to obtain a remedy.

MR. W. REDMOND

Was the charge against Mr. Fisher that he had published reports of branches of the Irish National League which had not been attempted to be suppressed by the right hon. Gentleman?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

If the hon. Gentleman requires details, I must ask him to put the question on the Paper, but I have no doubt that the reports were of a criminal nature.