HC Deb 26 March 1907 vol 171 cc1669-70
MR. HAYDEN (Roscommon, S.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has seen a Report of an address delivered by Mr. Justice Kenny to the grand jury of Roscommon, in which it was stated that there was veiled intimidation in that county; whether this statement was contained in a Report presented by the police authorities to the Judge; if so, whether this Report was submitted to him before being presented to the Judge; and whether it will be published in order that the statements it contains may be checked.

MR. BIRRELL

The reply to the first two inquiries is in the affirmative, and to the third in the negative. It would be inconsistent with official practice to publish statements furnished by the police authorities for the information of the Judges.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN (Kilkenny)

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Judge Johnson has condemned the practice of the police supplying these reports.

MR. BIRRELL

I saw that.