HC Deb 23 October 1902 vol 113 cc621-2
MR. WILLIAM O'BRIEN

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland what was the amount paid out of public funds with reference to the defence of Sergeant Sullivan at the criminal trial in Sligo; what was the amount paid in his defence in the civil action in Dublin; and will the Government pay Sergeant Sullivan's expenses in any further proceedings that may be taken against him.

MR. WYNDHAM

My right hon. and learned friend has undertaken to reply to this question. [NATIONALIST cries of "Why don't you?" "Where is he?"]

MR. WILLIAM O'BRIEN

This is not a legal question.

* MR. SPEAKER

The hon. Member can put the Question again.

MR. WILLIAM O'BRIEN

I beg to submit to you, Sir, that I am entitled to an answer from the responsible Chief Secretary of the country. This is not in any respect a legal question, but a question of the highest and deepest national policy.

* MR. SPEAKER

It is not an uncommon course for a Minister to ask another Minister to reply, and if he says that he has done so, it is the usual courtesy of the House to a wait that Minister's answer.

Subsequently, the Attorney General for Ireland being present,

MR. WILLIAM O'BRIEN

said: I beg again to ask this Question of the Chief Secretary, but I must decline to ask such a question of a Castle lawyer.

(No answer was given.)