HC Deb 23 October 1902 vol 113 cc627-8
MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he will state the name of the constable of the Royal Irish Constabulary, at present discharging the duties of his office in the depôt of the Royal Irish Constabulary, Phoenix Park, Dublin, who has given perjured testimony resulting in the conviction of innocent men; and whether he will direct his dismissal from the Royal Irish Constabulary.

MR. WYNDHAM

The hon. Member will find the information for which he asks in the reply given to a question put by the hon. Member for the Ossory Division of Queen's County on 15th July. The reasons for retaining this constable were stated by me in Committee of Supply on July 23rd.†

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

The only answer I will take is "Yes" or "No." Will the right hon. Gentleman instantly dismiss this constable or not?

MR. Wyndham remaining silent,

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

I must make him say "Yes" or "No."

MR. SPEAKER

I must ask the hon. Member to sit down."

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Now, sir—I know the previous answer. The right hon. Gentleman was never asked categorically whether ho would dismiss this man or not. If the right hon. Gentleman says he will not dismiss this man, I shall bring the matter to his notice in a very pointed way. † See (4) Debates, exi. 254, 1073.

MR. WYNDHAM

I gave my reasons for retaining this man. Those reasons are still convincing to me—and therefore I still retain him.

MR. WILLIAM O'BRIEN

He would have got five years in England.

MR. MACVEAGH

And compassionate allowances in Ireland.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

It's an English outrage.

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!