HC Deb 23 October 1902 vol 113 c622
MR. MACVEAGH

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether any communications, verbal or written, have passed between Dublin Castle and any resident magistrate or magistrates in Ireland on the subject of reporting to Mr. Speaker any prosecution, arrest, detention, or conviction of any Member of this House; and if so, what was the tenour of such communications.

MR. WYNDHAM

In 1888 and 1889 written instructions were issued requesting resident magistrates to notify to Mr. Speaker the fact of the committal to prison of a Member of this House, or his arrest and remand whether on bail or otherwise. Telegraphic instructions were sent in particular cases during the last Session. I have directed that general instructions of similar purport to those of 1888 and 1889 be reissued to resident magistrates.

MR. MACVEAGH

Were any communications made to the resident magistrates after the last discussion in this House? Was Mr. Brown's recent communication to Mr. Speaker a result of communications from Dublin Castle?

MR. WYNDHAM

I have given the hon. Member the facts. I have directed the general instructions to be sent out again.

MR. MACVEAGH

Have they been sent out?

MR. WYNDHAM

I directed them to be sent out three days ago.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

After I raised a debate.