§ MR. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord. Lieutenant of Ireland, If the case of Robert Cuddy, junior, formerly referred to, has been tried at the Dungannon Petty Sessions; if there were 12 magistrates, including a resident magistrate, on the bench; if Robert Cuddy, junior, 15 years of age, was summoned by the district inspector for that he did "appear in disguise, to the terror of Her Majesty's subjects;" whether 17 witnesses were examined, and the magistrates unanimously declared that there had not been a single piece of evidence to inculpate 1036 the defendant; and, if this was the case referred to by the honourable Member for South Tyrone as intimidation by an Orangeman?
§ MR. W. O'BRIEN (Tyrone, S.)In reference to this Question, I would like to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant, Whether of the 11 magistrates named 10 were Orangemen, several of whom have themselves taken prominent part in riotous Orange demonstrations; whether the witnesses were described by the Crown Solicitor as being hostile to the Crown; whether the evidence was given with extreme reluctance and prevarication, and was at variance with what they told the police; whether, notwithstanding, it was proved that at least 10 farmers' houses had been visited by night, and that several persons admitted it was the defendant who visited the houses and questioned them as to whether they were Orange men or Nationalists? ——
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! The hon. Member is now, in the form of a Question, making a counter-statement of considerable length, and it is impossible that a Minister can answer a Question so asked. It would be more regular for the hon. Member to put down the Question in the ordinary way.
§ MR. W. O'BRIENWell, Sir, my name is referred to in this Question. If I am not allowed to intervene I will have to ask the indulgence of the House to amend my statement.
§ MR. SPEAKERThe hon. Member must give Notice in the ordinary way.
§ MR. W. O'BRIENI think I will be in Order in asking this much, at all events—Whether steps will be taken to institute prosecutions for perjury against the witnesses, and to prevent magistrates who are notorious Orange partizans from adjudicating in such cases?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. JOHN MORLEY) (Newcastle-on-Tyne)Mr. Speaker, I do not think that I can answer the last Question without Notice and consideration. The Papers in this matter were laid before the Attorney General, who considered there was a primâ facie case for investigation, and directed a prosecution. The case, accordingly, came before a Bench of 11 magistrates—whether they were Orangemen I cannot say—one of whom was a Resident Magistrate; and, after hearing the evidence of several witnesses, they unanimously decided that no case had 1037 been made out, and discharged the defendant. I would suggest that the latter part of the inquiry should be put to the hon. Member whom it concerns.
§ MR. W. O'BRIENI beg to give Notice that on Monday I shall put a further Question on this subject.