§ MR. SEXTONasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he is aware that it is now becoming a common practice with some magistrates in Ireland to exercise summary jurisdiction, and sentence persons to imprisonment either immediately after arrest upon a warrant, or arrest without a warrant, although the Law in these cases as laid down in the Petty Sessions Act, 14 and 15 Vic. c. 93, s. 11, provides that—
In all cases of summary jurisdiction the justices shall issue a summons requiring the defendant to appear and answer the complaint;whether it is also becoming the practice of some magistrates to refuse applications by the defendant for adjournment to allow them to prepare defence, obtain legal assistance, and subpœna witnesses, although the Petty Sessions Act provides (c. 93, s. 9, Clause 1) that the defendant shall have the right to have witnesses examined or cross-examined by counsel or attorney, and (s. 3), that the summons should be served a reasonable time before the hearing of the complaint (ten days or a fortnight being the usual time); and, whether the Government will take any steps to point out to Irish magistrates the duty of complying with the Law?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR(Mr. W. M. JOHNSON), IRELANDin reply, said, that neither he nor his right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant was aware of the existence of any such practices as the hon. Member referred to in his Question. He would, however, make inquiries if 1935 the hon. Member would specify any instances of this sort of practices, or would communicate with him privately.