HC Deb 30 November 1882 vol 275 cc398-9
MR. CALLAN

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether, from a Return ordered by the House on the 9th instant, and presented on the 20th, Of any Documents (except Official Documents of a confidential and privileged character) in the nature of Evidence or Memorials submitted for the Consideration of the Irish Executive with reference to the case of Francis Hynes; and, of any Letters written to or by the Lord Lieutenant with reference to such Documents, there have been two letters suppressed, written by Mr. Callan, M.P., and the reply thereto; whether the letters referred to were not a tender of evidence in no way excepted from the operation of the order; and, if so, whether he can explain on what grounds and by what authority the Irish Executive have disobeyed the order of the House by suppressing the letters referred to; and, whether the Irish Executive will now supply the omission by laying upon the Table the letters in question?

MR. TREVELYAN

As a general rule, the materials on which the Lord Lieutenant exercises the Prerogative of Mercy are, perhaps, the last information which should be communicated to the House. In the case of Francis Hynes, out of justice to the jury, whose character had been attacked, the Government thought it proper to depart from this course. But I certainly contend that, by the form of the Return, the right was retained by the Government as to what letters should be included in that Return. If, however, the hon. Member will move for the presentation to the House of his Letter of the 25th of August, the Government has no objection to give it.

MR. CALLAN

And the reply thereto?

MR. TREVELYAN

Yes.