HC Deb 29 November 1888 vol 331 cc495-6
MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If he has seen the Reports in The Cork Examiner and Herald of the 22nd instant, to the effect that four farmers named John and Daniel Scannell, John Cahill, and Humphrey Moynihan were arrested on the 21st instant, taken before Mr. M'Dermott, R.M., at Rathmore, County Kerry, and remanded for eight days to Tralee Gaol, bail being refused, and that the District Inspector R.I.C. stated that they would be brought up this day week in Tralee, and a further remand would be then applied for, and the trial would probably take place on December 13; whether, in view of the fact that these men are of respectable character, he can state why they were not proceeded against by way of summonses instead of being summarily arrested; and, why bail was refused in all these cases, they being able to give bail to a substantial amount?

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

I regret that I cannot go into the details of the charges against these men, the matter being still sub judice. The District Inspector, however, did not say that he would oppose bail on the second remand. As a matter of fact, the accused are being admitted to bail to come up for trial.

MR. FLYNN

What charge has been made against these men? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the practice is growing up in this district of arresting men without any warrant or specific charge, and confining them in gaol without mentioning the charge against them?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I am not aware that an illegal practice is growing up in this or any other district.

MR. FLYNN

said, that was no answer to his Question.

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

We want to know what the charge is. Surely the right hon. Gentleman can inform us what it is?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The hon. Member must give Notice of any further Question.