HC Deb 21 May 1897 vol 49 cc1026-7
MR. FLAVIN

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that members of the Kerry Grand Jury are contractors to that body; also that men occupying the position of agents to those contractors are also members of the Kerry Grand Jury; and, if so, whether this is legal?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

The Secretary of the Grand Jury, with whom I have communicated, is not aware that any member of the Grand Jury is contractor to that body; nor is he aware that agents of contractors to the Grand Jury are members of the Grand Jury.

MR. FLAVIN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that several members of the Kerry Grand Jury are agents of the contractors and that the secretary himself is agent to his own brother?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

The reply I have given is that which I have been furnished with after inquiry. If the hon. Gentleman will bring evidence before me as to the facts he states, I will make further inquiries.

MR. FLAVIN

Will the right hon. Gentleman allow me to give the names of the contractors? [Cries of "Order."]

[No answer was given.]