§ Mr. LONSDALEasked what were the charges against Richard J. Walsh, Kilmurry, and others in regard to which a nolle prosequi was entered at the Kerry Summer Assizes; and whether the withdrawal of these prosecutions indicated an intention to abandon any further attempt to vindicate the law in the matter of the Kilmurry eviction proceedings in June last?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI understand that at the Kerry Spring Assizes, 1910, the defendants in this case were indicted for (1) resisting the sheriff, (2) assaulting the police, and (3) unlawful assembly. The jury acquitted the defendants on the first 1421 of these indictments, and the trial on the other two was postponed to the summer assizes, when a nolle prosequi was entered, and the defendants were discharged. No other proceedings are contemplated in the matter.
§ Mr. LONSDALEDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider that it was fair to the police, some of whom were seriously injured, that these men should have been allowed to escape punishment?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThat is a question affecting the discretion of the Attorney-General in the exercise of his right to enter a nolle prosequi. Considerations on both sides were present to his mind in coming to a conclusion, from which conclusion I do not differ.
§ Mr. LONSDALEWhy were six of the fifteen men who were arrested for resisting eviction allowed to go away to America?
§ Mr. MacVEAGHWas not the disturbance on this occasion much less serious than the disturbance which took place the night before last in the town of Armagh, among the hon. Member's own constituents?
§ Mr. LONSDALEWill the right hon. Gentleman answer my question?
§ Mr. BIRRELLWhy six persons were allowed to go away? I am bound to say that in my opinion these six persons had much better be out of the country than in it.
§ Mr. LONSDALEWas the action of the magistrates who refused informations brought to the notice of the Lord Chancellor?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI cannot answer that question. I will inquire, if the hon. Member wishes.