HC Deb 15 March 1900 vol 80 cc937-8
CAPTAIN DONELAN

I beg to ask Mr. Attorney General for Ireland, as representing the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, if he can say on what grounds the press were excluded from the recent investigation relative to the Ban try murder case; and whether instructions will be given that representatives of the press shall be admitted to any further proceedings.

MR. ATKINSON

The Justices in the exercise of their powers expressly conferred upon them by the 9th Section of the Petty Sessions Act excluded the press because they considered, rightly in my opinion, that it was more conducive to the administration of justice at the present stage of the case so to do than to admit the press. The reply to the second paragraph is in the negative. There is no power to give such instructions.

CAPTAIN DONELAN

May I ask whether such matters are always left to the discretion of the local magistrates?

MR. ATKINSON

Yes, it is entirely within the discretion of the bench whether they shall exclude the press.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, hitherto, in cases of this kind—?

*MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! Notice should be given.