§ MR. LONSDALEI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is able to give any facts to the House to show that the practice of binding to be of good behaviour is having any effect in diminishing the number of cattle-drives.
§ MR. CHERRYThe number of cattle-drives in the month of June is considerably less than the number in May, but how far this may be due to the fact that persons have been bound to the peace for cattle-driving is a matter of opinion. The police authorities inform me that in two or three instances only have persons who were bound to the peace been again found driving cattle.
§ MR. LONSDALEI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland how many cattle-drives have been reported by the police during the six months ending 27th June, in how 774 many of these cases have accused persons been put on their trial before common juries, and how many convictions have been obtained.
§ MR. CHERRYThe number of cattle-drives reported during the period in question was 413. In none of the cases were accused persons put on trial before a common jury.
§ MR. LONSDALEDoes the right hon. Gentleman intend to abolish trial by jury in Ireland?
§ MR. CHERRYNo, Sir.
§ MR. LONSDALEDoes the right hon. Gentleman now recognise the fact that trial by jury in agrarian cases in Ireland is a farce?
§ MR. CHERRYNo, Sir. Nothing of the kind.