HC Deb 08 July 1875 vol 225 cc1140-1
MR. DILLWYN

(for Mr. WADDY) asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether his attention has been called to the language used by the Lord Chief Justice of Ireland in giving judgment in the case of O'Keeffe v. Cullen heard on the 13th and 15th of February 1875, in the Queen's Bench in Ireland:— He (Cardinal Cullen) had obtained obedience to a Papal rescript from a pliant body of Commissioners, and all Chaplains in Ireland though appointed by the State and paid by moneys provided by the same, hold those places at his (the Pope's) pleasure, irrespective of all local and diocesan authority. I say, therefore, the Sovereign power is lodged not in the Queen or in those whom She may appoint, but in the Pope; and what action, if any, it is the intention of the Government to adopt, with a view to protect the administration of justice, the rights of individuals in public employment, and the conduct of public affairs in Government Departments from obstruction and interference by the Pope or any foreign Power?

MR. DISRAELI

Sir, I observe that the trial in which these words were used by the Lord Chief Justice occurred nearly half-a-year ago, and I am informed that the proceedings in that case are not yet terminated, notice of appeal having been given. Under these circumstances it is desirable not to ask Questions in this House founded upon the ease, or to enter into details, since opportunities of fuller information may hereafter be afforded. With regard to the general inquiry, I can only say that if sufficient evidence is given to me that the Pope or any foreign Power is interfering with the administration of justice in this country; the rights of individuals in public employment, and the conduct of public affairs in Government Departments, I shall consider it deserves the gravest consideration.

MR. MITCHELL HENRY

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman would also consider the effect upon the Commissioners of Education, a public body in Ireland, of which some of the Judges were members, of these imputations by the Lord Chief Justice?

MR. SPEAKER

The Question involves a matter of argument, and cannot therefore be put.