HC Deb 10 December 1908 vol 198 cc760-1
MR. LONSDALE (Armagh, Mid.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the special instructions to the constabulary authorising them in certain cases of cattle-driving to arrest the offenders and bring them before a single resident magistrate out of petty sessions, with a view to their being bound over to good behaviour under the Act of Edward III., were of such a character as to require the approval of the Attorney-General before issue; and whether such instructions were approved in the present instance by the Attorney-General.

MR. BIRRELL

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. friend, the Attorney-General for Ireland, to a similar Question asked by him on the 11th November.

MR. LONSDALE

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain the statement made in this House by the Attorney-General for Ireland, when he said that no special instructions were issued?

MR. BIRRELL

My right hon. friend said no special instructions were issued with regard to cattle-drivers, and I presume that statement was correct.