§ MR. M'CARTAN (Down, S.)I beg to ask the Attorney General whether, in view of the fact that "The Summary. Jurisdiction Act, 1879," provides the right of appeal to Quarter Sessions to-any person who is adjudged by a conviction or order of a Summary Court of Jurisdiction in England to be imprisoned without the option of a fine, even in cases where the term of imprisonment is less than one month, whereas in Ireland there is no such appeal to Quarter Sessions from the Petty Sessions, unless-the term of imprisonment exceeds one month, the Government will extend to Irishmen the same right of appeal which is now afforded to persons in England?
* SIR R. WEBSTERThe law in England is correctly stated in the question of the hon. Member, subject to certain exceptions, which are not material. I need scarcely say that it is quite beyond my province to express any opinion upon questions of legislation for Ireland.
§ In reply to Mr. SEXTON,
§ MR. MADDENsaid: A person sentenced in Ireland to less than a month's, imprisonment has no right of appeal. To issue instructions sanctioning an appeal would in the first case necessitate the-repeal of the Act.
§ MR. SEXTONDoes the right hon. Gentleman forget that there was a promise that there should be an appeal in all cases. Will he not give to an Irishman the same right that an English subject now enjoys?
§ MR. MADDENIf the hon. Member desires an alteration of the law he had better put a Question on the Paper.