§ MR. GILHOOLY (Cork, W.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he has communicated with the Lord Chancellor in reference to the charges against Mr. J. E. Barrett, J.P., County Cork; and, if so, with what result?
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY (Colonel KING-HARMAN) (Kent Isle of Thanet)(who replied) 1351 said: As I have already stated to the House, the case in which this matter arises is still sub judice; and the Irish Government have not yet communicated with the Lord Chancellor on the matter.
§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)As this alleged misconduct occurred five years ago, and as it alleges against Mr. Barrett first fraud upon the Treasury, and then fraud upon the tenant, I would ask whether the Irish Government will, at least pending the decision in the case, cause Mr. Barrett to desist from adjudicating?
§ COLONEL KING-HARMANThis is a matter which is before the legal tribunals; and until they have arrived at a decision it is impossible to pronounce any sentence on a question like this.
§ MR. SEXTONDo we understand that in a case where perjury and fraud are alleged against a magistrate the Lord Chancellor declines to take any action until any legal proceedings connected with the matter have been disposed of?
§ COLONEL KING-HARMANsaid, it was a maxim of the English law that a man should be presumed innocent until found guilty.