§ MR. GORDONI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if the only reason for Sir Arthur Vicar's dismissal was his alleged carelessness in the custody of the jewels; and, if not, what other reasons were there.
§ MR. BIRRELLSir Arthur Vicars was relieved of his office because he had failed to exercise due vigilance and proper care as custodian of the Regalia of the Order of St. Patrick, and for no other reason.
§ MR. GORDONI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he stated to Sir Arthur Vicars and his solicitor, in the month of October last, in the presence of His Excellency, that no suspicion whatever attached to Sir Arthur Vicars as to his integrity in the custody of the Crown Jewels, and offered to write a letter to that effect; and, if he has altered his opinion since, will Sir Arthur Vicars be given an opportunity of vindicating his character by being placed upon his trial.
§ MR. BIRRELLI have just stated that Sir Arthur Vicars was relieved of office solely because he had failed to exercise proper care and vigilance. No criminal charge has at any time been made against him, and consequently he has not been, and could not be, placed upon his trial.
§ MR. GORDONasked whether the right hon. Gentleman would grant a public judicial inquiry.
§ MR. BIRRELLNo, Sir. We have already directed an inquiry, and we have found three gentlemen giving their grounds why they consider Sir Arthur Vicars to have been guilty of negligence. No charge of any other kind was made against him.
§ MR. KILBRIDE (Kildare, S.)Is there any truth in the rumours that the jewels are at present in Bond Street?
§ MR. BIRRELLI have no reason to believe so.
§ MR. H. C. LEA (St. Pancras, E.)What is the reason why there was no inquiry on oath? Why was not Sir Arthur Vicars' request for such an inquiry entertained?
§ MR. BIRRELLThe whole question has been explained over and over again.
§ MR. LUPTON (Lincolnshire, Sleaford)How is it that the chief of police, who was really responsible for the jewels, escaped without comment as to his conduct?
§ MR. BIRRELLThe chief of police is no more responsible for the care of these jewels than he is responsible for the care of the jewels of the hon. Member.