HC Deb 08 August 1890 vol 348 cc271-2
MR. HAYDEN (Leitrim, S.)

I beg to ask the Attorney General whether he can state what decision has been come to by the Irish Law Officers regarding the communication received by the Land Commissioners from Mr. Percy Magan, J. P., on the 22nd July, purporting to be an explanation of the charges of fraud brought against him; and whether the Government is still determined to take no steps to have Mr. Magan suspended from the Commission of the Peace pending proceedings for the recovery of the money alleged to have been obtained by false representations under the Arrears Act?

MR. MADDEN

After the full considerations of this case, I have directed proceedings to be taken against Mr. Magan for the recovery of the money.

MR. SEXTON

Thanking the right hon. Gentleman for the instructions he has given, may I ask further whether, pending the decision of the case, Mr. Magan will be restrained from acting on the Commission of the Peace?

MR. MADDEN

Of course, the Lord Chancellor will be communicated with, and I have no doubt that such action will be taken as may seem best pending the decision of the case.

MR. T. M. HEALY

Will the right hon. Gentleman take care that the venue is changed to some place where a Grand Jury of landlords will not try the case?

MR. MADDEN

Mr. Magan will be proceeded against by a civil action.

MR. SEXTON

Am I to understand that a Magistrate accused of fraud is only to be tried by a civil action?

MR. MADDEN

As the case is sub judice, I must decline to enter into further particulars. The action will be for the recovery of the money, and in my opinion it is entirely a case for the Civil Courts.