HC Deb 23 October 1902 vol 113 cc619-20
MR. O'DOWD

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he will state the number of county and district councillors convicted in Ireland during the past twelve months, under the provisions of the Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act, 1887, and of these how many have been sentenced to terms of imprisonment with hard labour.

MR. WYNDHAM

Thirty-two, of whom sixteen were sentenced by the Court of First Instance to imprisonment with hard labour. In five cases the haul labour was remitted on appeal; and appeals are pending in six other cases.

MR. O'DOWD

May I ask whether the sentence of hard labour does not disqualify these gentlemen from acting on their respective councils for five years?

MR. Wyndham did not answer.

MR. MACVEAGH

Arising out of the answer is it not the fact that these councillors are disqualified for five years, and was not that the object of the sentences?

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! That is not a proper Question.

MR. DELANY

Will the right hon. Gentleman lay on the table the instructions he has given to the removable magistrates on the subject?

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!