HC Deb 26 July 1887 vol 318 cc35-6
MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.) (for Mr. W. A. MACDONALD) (Queen's Co., Ossory)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Why the following cities and towns have been proclaimed under this clause—namely, Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Kilkenny, Galway, Carrickfergus, Waterford, Drogheda, and Londonderry; and, whether the Government have any reason to apprehend that the offences specified in in Clause C of the 3rd sub-section of Section 2 will be committed in these cities and towns?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)

I think I indicated in the answers I gave yesterday the grounds which induced the Government to apply Clause C to the cities and towns referred to. As I stated then, this sub-section only assimilates the law in Ireland with the law which already exists in England.

MR. SEXTON

I would like the right hon. Gentleman to put an end to some doubt which, has arisen with regard to the answer given yesterday with regard to those cities and towns. The report in The Times says that the cities and towns are only proclaimed under paragraph c of Sub-section B of Section 2. But the answer given to the House says that six cities have been generally proclaimed. What is the extent and force of the Proclamation?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

If I was reported to have stated that these cities and towns were proclaimed generally it was an error of the Press. They have only been proclaimed under one subhead of one sub-section of one clause.

MR. SEXTON

With respect to the second paragraph, I would ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the offences specified in the clause applied to these cities—namely, assault or wilful and unlawful resistance or obstruction to Sheriff, bailiff, or process-server in the discharge of his duties have already been committed, or any of them, in these towns under circumstances necessitating a special law, or exceptional administration of it?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

As I stated yesterday, I do not regard the power of summary conviction in the case of assault upon, or resistance to, the police as in any way a provision which ought to be regarded as exceptional. It is not so in England; and I see no reason why it should be so in Ireland.