HC Deb 06 March 1893 vol 9 c1085
MR. CARSON (Dublin University)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has withdrawn the Circular directing the refusal of police protection to Sheriffs at night in the execution of judgments of the Superior Courts, and which, in the case of "The Attorney General v. Kissans," was declared by the Queen's Bench Division in Ireland to be unconstitutional and illegal; and, if so, what are the terms of the Circular substituted therefor?

MR. J. MORLEY

The Circular referred to, which superseded the equally illegal Regulations which the present Government found in force, was at once withdrawn after the judgment in the Queen's Bench Division, though we regret, as did the Lord Chief Baron and Lord Justice Barry in the Court of Appeal, that there were no means of testing the legality of the Circular before a higher tribunal. I have the Circular here. I do not know if the hon. and learned Gentleman wishes it all read, or perhaps it will suffice if I read the words as to night protection.

MR. CARSON

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will let me see the Circular.

MR. J. MORLEY

Certainly.

MR. CARSON

And a copy of the former Circular, which he has repeatedly stated was illegal.

MR. J. MORLEY

It was illegal, because it undoubtedly authorised police protection at night in the case of seizures under civil bill decrees. I will gladly hand it to the hon. Gentleman.