HC Deb 07 August 1907 vol 180 cc88-90
MR. LONSDALE

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the evidence given at the last Galway assizes in reference to the charge against Peter J. Kelly of unlawfully encouraging certain persons unknown to kill and murder the Right Hon. Frederick, Baron Ashtown, has been laid before the Lord Chancellor of Ireland; and whether any decision has been come to with reference to the retention of the name of Peter J. Kelly on the commission of the peace.

MR. CHERRY

The evidence given at the trial referred to was not submitted to the Lord Chancellor in view of the result of that trial. The Lord Chancellor, however, informs me that his attention has been directed to a speech delivered by Mr. Kelly on 21st July, having regard to which the Lord Chancellor has felt it to be his duty to supersede Mr. Kelly in the commission of the peace.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

asked whether it was a fact that the Lord Chancellor punished Kelly for a charge on which he was acquitted.

MR. CHERRY

It was in reference to another speech on another occasion that the Lord Chancellor removed him from the commission of the peace.

MR. JOHN O'CONNOR

Is Mr. Kelly to be proceeded against for that other speech?

MR. CHERRY

That is a matter which is under the consideration of the Government.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

Will the right hon. Gentleman get the Lord Chancellor to stay his hand until it is decided whether or not the man shall be tried?.

MR. CHERRY

No, Sir; the Lord Chancellor has already acted in the matter. He exercises his discretion as to whom he should leave on the commission of the peace and whom he should remove.

MR. JOHN O'CONNOR

What evidence had the Lord Chancellor that this man made the speech or that it was correctly reported?

MR. CHERRY

An official report of the speech was furnished to the Lord Chancellor.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

Was Mr. Kelly asked for an explanation?

MR. CHERRY

I cannot say.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire?.

MR. CHERRY

Yes, Sir.