HC Deb 24 March 1887 vol 312 cc1339-41
MR. LANE (Cork Co., E.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether, as the inquest at Youghal terminated in a verdict of wilful murder against District Inspector Somerville and Constable Ward, he will take measures to have these prisoners brought to trial at the next Cork Assizes?

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

I am advised by my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney General for Ireland that the case of the prisoners referred to will be dealt with in the ordinary and usual course.

MR. MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)

asked if the Inspector and the constable wore out on bail; and, if so, on what security?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

They are both in custody.

Subsequently,

MR. LANE

I wish to ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman the Attorney General for Ireland a Question of which I have given him private Notice If he has received any communication from the Inspector General of Constabulary in Ireland as to admitting to bail District Inspector Somerville and Constable Ward, now in gaol on a charge of murder; and, with a view to such an application being made to Mr. Justice O'Brien at the Cork Assizes, whether the authorities are pro-pared to agree to such an application; and, whether it is unusual for a Judge of Assize to entertain an application of the kind?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. HOLMES) (Dublin University)

I did not receive any communication from the Inspector General of Constabulary; but before coming down to the House I received a telegram from the Under Secretary, which had been sent to him from Cork by the County Inspector of Constabulary, stating that District Inspector Somerville and Constable Ward had been advised that they might make such an application to the Judge of Assize. If I should got Notice, I shall certainly oppose such an application until I have an opportunity of reading the informations in the case and the affidavits on which the application is to be made.

MR. CHANCE (Kilkenny, S.)

Arising out of that answer, I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman the Chief Secretary whether he will give an undertaking that these two prisoners will be suspended, from active duty until their case has been finally disposed of by a jury?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I do not know what the ordinary rule in such a case is;] but I have no doubt it will be followed.

MR. MAC NEILL

I wish to ask the Attorney General, whether it is usual for a Judge of Assize to admit to bail prisoners committed for wilful murder?

MR. HOLMES

It would be exceedingly improper for me to give an opinion on the matter. It is entirely outside my duty.