HC Deb 11 June 1888 vol 326 cc1708-9
MR. W. E. GLADSTONE (Edinburgh, Mid Lothian)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he will lay upon the Table Copies of the Evidence on which convictions have been obtained in Ireland under "The Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act, 1887," for conspiracy to compel or induce any person not to deal with or work for any other person in the ordinary course of trade, business, or occupation?

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

I do not think any public advantage would be gained by adopting the very unusual course suggested by the right hon. Gentleman. The ends of justice seem to be amply secured by the existing right to have a case stated before the Superior Court; while the horrors of Boycotting, which many of these prosecutions are intended to mitigate, would be aggravated by the publicity of a Return such as that suggested.

MR. CLANCY (Dublin Co., N.)

asked, whether the right hon. Gentleman would guarantee to the House that persons who might apply to have a case stated should not be opposed by the Crown counsel?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

It does not rest with the Crown counsel. It does not oven rest with the magistrates to determine whether a case shall be stated or not. That is compulsory.

MR. CLANCY

Then perhaps the Chief Secretary will state who instructed the Crown counsel to oppose the case stated on behalf of Sullivan, in Kerry?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

MR. W. E. GLADSTONE

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in view of his determination not to grant the Return asked for, at any rate give the House the assurance that in all cases when there is a charge of this nature evidence shall be taken, not merely of the persons subpœnaed in any individual case of exclusive dealing, but specifically on the question of conspiracy in combination with other persons?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The Question of the right hon. Gentleman seems to require a knowledge of the practice of the Criminal Law, upon which I should be sorry to give an opinion without Notice; but I shall be most happy to answer his Question if he will be kind enough to put it on the Paper.