HC Deb 11 April 1893 vol 11 cc11-2
MR. DANE

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that, as stated in The Freeman's Journal of 23rd March, 1893, a process server, attempting to serve nine writs from the Superior Courts in Dublin, was attacked by a mob, knocked down, and beaten and pelted with mud; that eight of the writs were taken from him by force, and that he was told not to come there again if he valued his life; whether the Vice Chancellor of Ireland, as Vacation Judge, has directed that sealed copies of the writs be issued out of the Record and Writ Office, and service effected by moans of registered letters; and will the Government institute steps to enforce the law in County Mayo?

*MR. J. MORLEY

It is quite true The Freeman's Journal reported the incidents referred to in the question. But there seems to be very considerable doubt in the minds of the authorities on the spot as to whether the story, as detailed, and on which the Vice Chancellor acted in the manner stated, is a correct version of, or anything like, what actually took place on the occasion.

MR. DANE

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken the trouble to read the affidavits of the solicitor for the plaintiff and of the prosecutor?

MR. J. MORLEY

Yes, Sir; I may say that, though I have not read the whole of the affidavits, I am well acquainted with what the affidavits testify to.

MR. DANE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Vice Chancellor did not see these affidavits?

MR. J. MORLEY

I really do not know, but I have no doubt that he acted on what he deemed to be good evidence.