HC Deb 12 June 1907 vol 175 cc1437-8
CAPTAIN CRAIG

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that at a recent prosecution at Ballintubbor, county Sligo, when the defendants were acquitted, one of the justices, Mr. Hanley, who attended, lives in a different petty sessions district about fourteen miles away, and that Mr Rorke, another of the same justices, lives in a different petty sessions district ten miles away from Ballintubber; if he will report this conduct to the Lord Chancellor, or what action he proposes to take.

MR. BIRRELL

The circumstances referred to in the Question have been brought to the notice of the Lord Chancellor, who is at present in communication with the magistrates concerned in reference to it.

CAPTAIN CRAIG

Have other similar cases occurred?

MR. BIRRELL

Yes, several.

CAPTAIN CRAIG

A large number. Has the Lord Chancellor come to a decision in any case brought to his notice?

MR. BIRRELL

I cannot say.

CAPTAIN CRAIG

May we expect an Answer before the Prorogation?

MR. BIRRELL

I hope so.