HC Deb 03 February 1908 vol 183 c537
MR. DEVLIN (Belfast, W.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, whether, in view of the fact that there is not any statutory or other authority for presenting to the Judges on the Commission in Ireland the returns of crimes and offences, he will consider the advisability of discontinuing the practice of presenting such returns.

MR. BIRRELL

There is no statutory obligation upon the Executive Government to furnish returns of crime to Judges of Assize, but the Judges have the right under their Commission to demand from the responsible peace officers information as to the state of the district. The practice of furnishing the returns in question has existed in Ireland for many years, and it is not intended to discontinue it.

MR. DEVLIN

Does any such practice obtain in Ireland.

MR. BIRRELL

Yes, the Judges there have power to call for such information.

MR. DEVLIN

But is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Ireland it is done for the purpose of enabling political speeches to be made from the bench?

[No Answer was returned.]