HC Deb 03 December 1888 vol 331 cc840-1
MR. TUITE (Westmeath, N.)

asked Mr. Solicitor General for Ireland, What authority is competent to direct the removal of the trial of a criminal indictment which, in the ordinary course, would be held at the Winter Assize of any particular Province to the Winter Assize of another Province, without any order by a Court granting a change of venue?

THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. MADDEN) (Dublin University)

There is no power to take the course referred to in the Question, nor has any such course been taken. When there has been a change of venue from one county to another, and the trial is held at the Winter Assizes, it will take place at the Winter Assizes for the union of counties which includes the county to which the venue has been so changed. These unions of counties do not in all cases correspond with the Provinces of Ireland.

THE LORD MAYOR OF DUBLIN (Mr. SEXTON) (Belfast, W.)

Was it by the hon. and learned Gentleman's direction, or the direction of the Attorney General, that the trial of a gamekeeper to the Marquess of Headfort, for firing at and wounding a person at Kells, was removed to Belfast Assizes?

MR. MADDEN

There is no power to do so unless a change of venue were granted. The hon. Member must be misinformed.

MR. TUITE

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that this gamekeeper is an Orangeman, and that this employer, the Marquess of Headfort, is one of the Presidents of the Primrose League?

MR. MADDEN

No, Sir.