HC Deb 05 May 1902 vol 107 cc627-8
MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in view of the public importance of the issues raised in the case of Rainsford v. Browns, he will inquire from the Chief Baron whether he can furnish a correct copy of his charge to the jury, and of his notes of the evidence, and the pleadings in the case.

MR. ATKINSON

There is no precedent, so far as I am aware, for action such as the hon. Member suggests, and no useful public purpose would be served by adopting it. Reports of considered judgments of a Court of Law have been laid on the Table of the House, but not charges to jurors, or judge's notes of the evidence given in Nisi Prius actions.

MR. DILLON

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware of the fact that the House has frequently had laid before it the charges of Irish judges to grand juries. Why will he not consent to lay this most important charge. I shall repeat this Question.