§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will explain why the Director of Public Prosecutions in Ireland has not availed himself of public information pointing to cases of systematic fraud; why the practice has been allowed to grow-up of the same group of persons starting several companies to help each other in evading the law, doing business contrary to statute and by improper means transferring their victims from one company to another; and, if he has not already done so, whether he will make himself acquainted with the origin and character of the relations between the National United Assurance Society, Limited, and the United National Friendly Assurance Collecting Society, between the Irish Provident Assurance Company and the London and Provincial Assurance Company, and between Ireland's Life Assurance Collecting Society and the Guardian Bank, and make the result of his investigation known for the guidance of the public?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Attorney-General has no information of cases of fraud practised by any of the companies referred to. He is causing inquiries to be made into the constitution and operations of these companies, and he can form no opinion on the matter involved until he becomes acquainted with the facts.
§ Mr. GINNELLWill the right hon. Gentleman ask the Director of Public Prosecutions in Ireland to investigate the advance of money by the Guardian Bank to one of its own officials to run an insurance society?
§ Mr. BIRRELLIf anyone calls the attention of the Public Prosecutor to the matter and makes allegations to the effect which, as the Attorney-General has already said, that disclose a primâ facie case of evidence for a criminal prosecution, such prosecution will take place.
§ Mr. GINNELLWill a question in this House cause the Public Prosecutor in Ireland to institute in Ireland?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo, Sir; if someone takes the responsibility of calling the attention of the Public Prosecutor to the matter in a form which discloses a criminal offence a prosecution will be undertaken.
§ Mr. GINNELLasked in view of the number of people in Ireland brought to grief by the Irish Provident Assurance Company, whether the Director of Public Prosecutions in Ireland has made himself acquainted with the connection and methods of some of its ex-directors now operating in Ireland as the Law Integrity Insurance Company and the National Protector Insurance Company; and what notice, if any, he has taken of the failure of these twin companies this year to comply with the statutory requirements governing the production and publication of accounts of such companies?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Attorney-General has no information concerning the Law Integrity Insurance Company, or the National Protector Insurance Company, but he is causing inquiries to be made with a view to seeing whether he should take any action.