HC Deb 06 March 1893 vol 9 cc1091-2
MR. MULHOLLAND (Londonderry, N.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state in how many cases orders were made under the change of venue and special juries' clauses of "The Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act, 1887," in cases of crimes committed in the Counties of Clare, Limerick, and Kerry, from the passing of the Act down to the 21st August, 1892; how many of the said cases proceeded to trial, and in how many of them convictions were obtained?

MR. J. MORLEY

As regards the County of Clare, I am informed that the total number of offences specially reported to the Inspector General of Constabulary from August, 1886, to August, 1892, was 1,255, and that of these persons were made amenable in 282 cases only. Similar information is being prepared for the Counties of Limerick and Kerry, but it is not yet ready, and I would ask that the question be postponed for a day or two.

MR. CARSON

In how many cases where there was a change of venue were there convictions?

MR. J. MORLEY

There were 15 cases of change of venue out of 1,255 offences. These changes of venue appear to have affected 49 accused persons, and of these 34 are said to have been convicted.

MR. MACARTNEY

The right hon. Gentleman said in his answer "from August, 1886, to August, 1892." I do not know whether he said 1886 inadvertently?

MR. J. MORLEY

I used the word inadvertently. The Returns I have say from August, 1885, but it should be 1887.