§ MR. VINCENT KENNEDY (Cavan, W.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to a Motion and order for attachment against three Cavan farmers in the Land Judges' Court in Dublin on Friday last; whether the matters complained of were investigated 1384 before the ordinary tribunal; and whether, seeing that though counsel pressed for leave to appeal this was refused; and that, as the alleged offences were of a criminal nature, the constitutional right to trial by jury was denied these men, will legislation be introduced to safeguard the public should occasion again arise.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) The order for attachment in this case was made by the learned Judge in the exercise of the jurisdiction inherent in him, and I have no power to interfere in the matter. The matters complained of were not, so far as I know, investigated before any other tribunal. I have seen a newspaper report of the case, from which it appears that the learned Judge declined to put a stay upon the order for attachment on the ground that, as there was no appeal from his decision in such a case, there was no reason for the stay. I understand that the law in these respects is the same in England as in Ireland.