§ MR. T D. SULLIVANasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If it is a fact that a man named Clarke was on Thursday May 12th arrested without warrant at Mullingar on a charge of carrying an alleged illegal placard; if four magistrates at once proceeded to sentence the man to a month's imprisonment unless he found bail for good behaviour for six months; if it was only on the protest of Mr. Downes, prisoner's solicitor, that the 680 magistrates consented to remand the charge to petty sessions; if the magistrates had power to adjudicate as they proposed out of sessions; and, if they they had not, will he take steps to insure that justice shall be done in similar cases in which prisoners may not be able to provide themselves with legal defence?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERI am informed that this case was disposed of at the Petty Sessions. I am also informed that the magistrates have jurisdiction to ask for sureties for good behaviour; but, as this is a legal point, perhaps the hon. Member, if he wishes for further information, will ask my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney General for Ireland.
§ MR. T. D. SULLIVANI will do so.