HC Deb 11 May 1883 vol 279 cc532-3
MR. BIGGAR

I wish to ask the Prime Minister a Question of which I have given him private Notice, and it is, Whether, seeing that in the recent criminal trials in Dublin, the juries have been invariably and systematically packed—["Oh, oh!"]—and the witnesses for the Crown—[Loud cries of "Order!"]—the Government would not, under the circumstances, undertake to commute the punishment of the prisoners now lying under sentence of death? [Cries of "Oh, oh!"]

MR. MACARTNEY

I rise to Order, and I wish to ask you, Sir, whether any Member is entitled to ask a Question containing such debateable matter as this?

MR. SPEAKER

I did not catch the whole burden of the hon. Member's Notice; but it certainly did strike me that the Question was irregular.