HC Deb 26 July 1910 vol 19 cc1930-1
Mr. GINNELL

asked the Attorney-General for Ireland whether it was by his direction, and, if not, by whose and on what authority the court official at the Westmeath Assizes in the present month took up the cards of jurors carefully from the top without having shaken them together, as required by the Juries (Ireland) Act, 1871; by whom were the cards which the Crown desired to have drawn selected and arranged on the top for that purpose; whose duty is it to report illegal practices having the effect of jury-packing; and when his attention is called to them why are the facts denied without investigation?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. Redmond Barry)

The Clerk of the Crown and Peace informs me that no such practices as are suggested in the question were resorted to on the occasion referred to. When the ballot cards were received from the sheriff they were thrown into the ballot box, which was thoroughly shaken up, and the only jury required was empannelled strictly according to law, no complaint having been made by any one concerned.

Mr. GINNELL

Does the hon. Gentleman admit or deny the allegations contained in the question?

Mr. REDMOND BARRY

Yes, a very definite denial.

Mr. GINNELL

Then I beg to ask the hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that he is telling the House an untruth?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is not entitled to make use of an expression of that kind. I must ask the hon. Member to withdraw it.

Mr. GINNELL

What is the Parliamentary word, If you please?

Mr. SPEAKER

Does the hon. Member withdraw the expression or not?

Mr. GINNELL

What I mean to convey—

Mr. SPEAKER

Does the hon. Member withdraw the expression or not? It is not a proper expression to use.

Mr. GINNELL

The hon. Gentleman has used untrue information.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member has not withdrawn the expression. I ask him once again: Does he withdraw the expression?

Mr. GINNELL

He has used untrue information.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member declines to withdraw the expression?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Lloyd George)

I think the hon. Member said he would withdraw.

Mr. SPEAKER

Then I understand the hon. Gentleman withdraws the expression?

Mr. GINNELL

I withdraw the expression as regards the hon. Gentleman, and no further.