HC Deb 28 May 1883 vol 279 cc951-2
MR. O'BRIEN

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ira-land, Whether he will lay upon the Table of the House a Return specifying the fees paid to each of the Counsel for the Crown for their services at the late Commission in Green Street, together with the fees paid to Counsel assigned for the prisoners; and, whether he will furnish a Return of the sums paid or intended to be paid to Crown witnesses in Ireland, in respect of trials at the last five Commissions in Green Street?

MR. TREVELYAN

Sir, I find, on inquiry at the English Public Offices, that it has not been a custom to give returns of the fees paid to counsel; and the Government cannot consent to do it in this case. A Return of the sums paid to witnesses cannot be granted.

MR. O'BRIEN

Will the right hon. Gentleman adhere to his determination when I tell him that, according to good information I have received, the fees paid to the Attorney General for Ireland were a retainer of £1,200 and a refresher of £150?

MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR

asked if the Chief Secretary would admit or deny the statement in the newspapers that day that one informer, named Farrell, had received no less than £1,000?

[No replies were given to these Questions.]