§ MR. T. M. HEALY (Longford, N.)asked Mr. Solicitor General for Ireland, Can he inform the House of what offence the hon. Member for East Mayo (Mr. Dillon) was convicted by the Court presided over by Mr. Hamilton, R.M.; and, will that magistrate be invited to correct his letter to Mr. Speaker?
§ THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. MADDEN) (Dublin University)The hon. Member for East Mayo was convicted of the offence of taking part in a criminal conspiracy to compel and induce certain tenants of farms in diverse parts of Ireland not to fulfil their legal obligations with regard to payment of rent, and of the further offence of inciting others to take part in such conspiracy. It appears from the evidence that the particular conspiracy for taking part in which the hon. Member was convicted was the conspiracy known as "the Plan of Campaign." As regards the second paragraph of the Question, I have to state that the matter is not within the province of the Government, but rests rather with the Authorities of the House.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYI beg to give Notice that on Thursday I shall move to expunge the letter of Mr. Hamilton from the Minutes of the House.