HC Deb 16 July 1889 vol 338 cc529-30
MR. ARTHUR WILLIAMS (Glamorgan, S.)

I beg to ask the Solicitor General for Ireland whether he will procure and lay upon the Table of the House a Copy of the depositions of Police Constable Robinson in the trial of Messrs. Gill and Cox, at Drogheda, on the 8th instant?

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

The course suggested by the hon. Member is entirely contrary to the practice in such cases, and I am therefore unable to accede to it.

In reply to a further question by Mr. A. Williams,

MR. MADDEN

said: The hon. Gentleman puts a question to me in reference to matters of detail which it is perfectly obvious I cannot answer without notice. I must have an opportunity of ascertaining what the facts are.

MR. A. WILLIAMS

Then I beg to give notice that I will ask further questions on the subject on Thursday.

MR. SEXTON

Has any action been taken in view of the fact that the Magistrates dismissed the charge against my hon. Friends on the ground that they disbelieved the sworn evidence of the constable?

MR. MADDEN

If the right hon. Member wishes to know whether any action has been taken against the constable he must give notice.

MR. BRADLAUGH (Northampton)

May I ask whether the hon. and learned Gentleman means to say that it is against the precedent of the House to lay on the Table sworn affidavits in proceedings against Members of Parliament?

MR. MADDEN

No, Sir; I did not say there was no precedent for it, but it is contrary to the usual practice.