HC Deb 04 December 1906 vol 166 c771
MR. HALPIN

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord - Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the disclosures in the trial of "Duffy and Baily v. Lonsdale," before Mr. Justice Boyd in Dublin on Tuesday; whether he is aware that the defendants pleaded guilty to the posting of a defamatory typewritten notice and a printed placard regarding the plantiff in the town of Longford, where he carries on his business, and had thereby injured him in trade; and whether any proceedings have been instituted by the police.

MR. BRYCE

My attention had not been called to the matter referred to in the Question, but I have now seen a newspaper report of the case. It appears from that report that the proceedings consisted in a civil action for damages, and it is stated that when the case was called it was announced that a settlement had been arrived at upon terms that the defendent should express regret for the publications and pay plaintiff's costs. No proceedings have been instituted by the police, and I am advised that the case is clearly not one for criminal proceedings by the Crown.

MR. MACVEAGH (Down, S.)

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these boycotting notices were posted because the landlord had raised his rents, and is the Mr. Lonsdale referred to the gentleman who is putting a question as to boycotting notices in other parts of Ireland?

MR. BRYCE

said he had no information beyond that he had given to the House.

ME. MACVEAGH

The Answer is in the affirmative.