HC Deb 24 July 1890 vol 347 cc836-8

Resolution [17th July] reported. (See page 103.)

(12.1.) MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)

On this Resolution I do not intend to make any lengthened remarks, but I wish to ask the Chief Secretary whether an opportunity will be afforded me on one of these Votes to make certain remarks which I think I have a right to make with regard to certain affairs in Ireland?

(12.2.) THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND(Mr. A. J.BALPOUR,) Manchester, E.

I do not understand that the hon. Member has any special observations to make on this Vote. I think he desires to speak on the Prisons Vote.

MR. CONYBEARE

I think I should have a right to speak on the Resident Magistrates Vote, but I will forego that right on the assurance that I shall have an opportunity of speaking on the Prisons Vote.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Certainly, but we do not pledge ourselves to stop business at an earlier hour than usual for the purpose.

(12.3.) MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

I wish to draw attention to a charge delivered in Ireland by the Lord Chief Baron, for it has an important bearing on the salaries of the Resident Magistrates in connection with this Vote. His Lordship declared that any one in Ireland had a perfect right to refuse to deal with any other person, or any combination of persons had a right to refuse to do so, provided the combination was voluntary, and not for a malicious purpose. During the last three years the Resident Magistrates in Ireland have repeatedly sent persons to gaol for acts of the very kind which the Lord Chief Baron now declares to be legal. I would therefore ask the Chief Secretary to take steps to inform the Resident Magistrates that many of the sentences they have passed in the time stated have been illegal, and also that they have no right to send any one to prison who, individually or in combination, refuses to deal with any other person or persons, unless it is shown that the combination is obtained by duress or is for malicious purposes.

(12.6.) MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The charge of the Lord Chief Baron to which the hon. Member has referred will be brought under the notice of the Resident Magistrates of Ireland. But I must not be understood to endorse the inference drawn by the hon. Member from the remarks of the Chief Baron.

(12.7.) DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid.)

I wish to ask the Chief Secretary if he will take notice of the grave and scandalous charges against Mr. Gardiner, who holds a judicial position in the City of Cork? One of those charges is a charge of seduction of the worst possible kind, and I want the right hon. Gentleman to consider whether or not Mr. Gardiner is worthy to continue to exercise the functions of a Resident Magistrate in the city from which I have the honor to come.

Resolution agreed to.