HC Deb 26 March 1907 vol 171 cc1670-1
MR. HAYDEN

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state the substance of the Commission under which Judges of Assize in Ireland go on circuit; and whether any authority is given by such Commission to call for reports of crimes from the constabulary, or to comment in charges to grand juries on such reports or on the subjects with which they are conversant.

MR. BIRRELL

I am informed by the Lord Chancellor that the specific powers vested in Judges by the Commission of Assize are, as regards criminal matters, to hear, examine, discuss, and determine on all treasons, murders, manslaughters, burnings, unlawful assemblies, felonies, robberies, extortions, oppressions, transgressions, crimes, contempts, offences, evildoings, and causes whatsoever within each county, as well against the peace and the common law as the form and effect of any statutes, ordinances, or provisions heretofore made; and also to deliver the gaols. The Commission goes on to command all officers and persons to aid, assist, and be obedient to the Judge in the execution of the premises.

MR. JOYCE (Limerick)

Does the same practice prevail in England?

MR. BIRRELL

So far as I understand it, the course, although not in identically the same words, is substantially the same in the two countries.

MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)

Has the Irish Judge authority to call for reports from the police. That is the point; and then we want to know further if there is an analogous practice in England?

MR. BIRRELL

There is no direct command to the Irish Judge to call for returns, but I think the words of the Commission authorise the Judge to obtain such information as may enable him to hear, discuss, examine and determine cases coming before him.

MR. HAYDEN

Will the Irish Government consider the advisability of issuing an order to the police not to furnish such reports in the future and thus bring the practice of the two countries into conformity?

MR. BIRRELL

Before I answer that I must find out what the practice in England is.