HC Deb 12 March 1885 vol 295 cc880-1
MR. SHEIL

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Is it the fact that Mr. F. H. Langan, a Catholic magistrate in Meath, owner in fee of 1,100 acres, has never been allowed to serve on the Grand Jury for the last ton years, while one of his tenants, Mr. Handy, J.P. a Protestant, has regularly been called on the Grand Jury; if so, can he explain by what right a gentleman of inferior qualification is summoned before one of superior qualification?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

The summoning of Grand Juries was a matter for the High Sheriff for the year, and the Executive Government have nothing to say to it. I have, therefore, no information as to the matters stated in the Question.

MR. HEALY

Will the Government take care in the appointment of the High Sheriff that he will be a person suitable for such an appointment?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN'S

reply was inaudible.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

asked, whether it was the intention of Her Majesty's Government to introduce a Bill dealing with the Grand Jury Laws in Ireland?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

That is a Question which I cannot answer.

In reply to Mr. W. J. CORBET,

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

No, Sir. I have said that this question rests entirely with the High Sheriff.