HC Deb 13 May 1909 vol 4 c1988
Mr. BYLES

asked whether the records of the recent spring assizes reveal the fact that in the 32 counties of Ireland the number of indictments only reached a total of 138, or about 35 per million of the population; and whether, in view of this marked immunity from crime in this part of the United Kingdom, the Government will consider the wisdom of repealing the Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act, 1887?

Mr. BIRRELL

As stated in my reply to a question on the same subject asked by the hon. Member for South Down on the 11th instant, the number of indictments for the 32 counties in Ireland, not including the cities of Dublin, Belfast, Cork, and Londonderry, was 224, or 60 per million of the population. As regards the concluding portion of the question I have nothing to add to the opinions which I have already expressed in Debate as to the wisdom of retaining the Act referred to permanently on the Statute Book.

Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

Will the right hon. Gentleman be kind enough to send a copy of that answer to the late Attorney-General for Ireland, who described the condition of Ireland as a saturnalia of crime?

Mr. W. P. BYLES

Why is he keeping this offensive Act on the Statute Book, when there is no intention of enforcing it?

Mr. BIRRELL

The hon. Member can ask that question in another place.

Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

Twice over the House of Commons has passed Bills repealing this Act?

Mr. BIRRELL

But never became law.

Mr. MacNEILL

The Lords.