HC Deb 29 April 1898 vol 56 cc1548-9
MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland whether, having regard to the fact that Miss Louisa Brown was arrested in Dublin on a charge of wilful murder, subjected to imprisonment, frequently remanded by a Dublin police magistrate who refused to receive evidence tendered on her behalf, and finally commited to trial, and that the Crown have intimated that no further steps will be taken against her, any compensation will be offered or reparation made to this lady, who has been subjected to such serious indignities and deprivation of liberty on an unfounded charge, and deprived, in consequence, of all means of earning a livelihood?

MR. ATKINSON

The facts are stated in the Question with substantial accuracy. The case was one of extreme suspicion against the lady in the first instance. She was throughout the proceedings treated with every consideration by the Crown. There is not, so far as I am aware, any foundation for the statement that by reason of what has occurred she hits lost her means of livelihood, and there is no precedent for awarding her compensation as suggested.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Is it a fact that the magistrate refused to receive evidence tendered on her behalf—

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

But, Sir, it is part of the Question.

MR. SPEAKER

It does not arise out of the Question on the Paper.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

With great respect to you, Sir, it is actually a part of the Question. Did the Dublin police magistrate refuse to receive evidence on her be half. I want to know if that statement is true?

MR. ATKINSON

I have already stated that the facts are set down with substantial accuracy. The Crown are in no way responsible for the action of the magistrate.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

All right.

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