HC Deb 02 March 1904 vol 130 cc1482-3
MR. JOHN O'DONNELL (Mayo, S.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether Mr. Allen Bell, Rosident Magistrate, stationed at Ballinrobe, county Mayo, reported to the Irish Executive the grave conduct of two policemen who gave false evidence at the Ballinrobe Petty Sessions; and, if so, on what date was the communication received from him.

MR. WYNDHAM

I have already stated that the papers in this case have been laid before the Attorney-General, and when further information, which has been called for, is forthcoming a decision will be taken by Government. I think the hon. Member will see, therefore, that it is most undesirable, at the present stage, to answer Questions which cover only a small part of the ground and deal with a matter on which a decision is pending.

MR. JOHN O'DONNELL

When may we expect a reply?

MR. WYNDHAM

At an early date. Naturally the Government are unwilling that this charge should be kept hanging over the heads of these men.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the Question?

MR. WYNDHAM

I must decline to add anything to my Answer.

MR. MACVEAGH

rose to put another Question.

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The right hon. Gentleman has answered the Question on the Paper and distinctly declines to say anything further.

MR. MACVEAGH

He has not answered the litter part of the Question.