HC Deb 01 March 1906 vol 152 cc1265-6
MR. LONSDALE

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that at a meeting of the East Galway executive of the United Irish League, held at Ballinasloe on 10th September last, a resolution was passed declaring that the tenant farmers of Galway would not allow any hunt to pass over their lands which is accompanied by any special juror who assisted the Government in imprisoning their friends; whether he is aware that this is part of an organised system of intimidation directed against special jurors who are true to their oath to return a true verdict according to the evidence; and what measures he proposes to adopt to secure the efficient and impartial administration of justice.

(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) I am informed that the meeting referred to was a private meeting held within doors. The police authorities have no evidence of what took place at it; but a resolution to the effect stated was reported in the Press as having been passed at the meeting, which, as the date indicates, took place long before I came into office. The police have no evidence that the resolution has been acted upon, nor is any evidence before mo showing that there is an organised system of intimidation against the special jurors in question, or that the impartial administration of justice is now suffering.