§ MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, with reference to the imprisonment of Mr. John Slattery, of Cork, for six months (in default of giving bail), if he can now state under what section of the Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act Mr. Slattery was convicted?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. MADDEN, University of Dublin)As this is a question relating to the administration of the law in Ireland I may be allowed to answer it. Mr. John Slattery, of Cork, was tried under the 2nd section of the Crimes Act of 1887, on a charge of using intimidation towards one Richard Quinlan. The magistrates held the charge proved, and made an order that the defendant should give security to be of good behaviour, or in default of bail be imprisoned for six months.
§ MR. FLYNNIs the power to hold to bail for good behaviour derived from the Crimes Act?
§ MR. MADDENNo; it is derived from the Statute of Edward III.; but as proceedings are being taken to test the legality of the decisions of the magistrates I think it is undesirable that I should enter further into the subject.
§ MR. SEXTONWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman say how often this decision has been come to under the Coercion Act?
§ MR. MADDENIf the hon. Member wishes for statistics on the subject, and will put a notice on the Paper, I will consider whether it is practicable to give them.
MR. ELYNNAS an appeal is pending, will the right hon. Gentleman order the release of Mr. Slattery on bail?
§ MR. MADDENIt is not necessary for mo to give any special direction, nor am I competent to do so.
§ MR. MADDENI did not say so. I said that proceedings were about to be taken to bring the matter before the Superior Courts. I understand from the newspapers that that is so; but I have no further information on the subject.