HC Deb 02 November 1911 vol 30 cc999-1000
Captain CRAIG

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that Mr. P. S. Golding signed, as Crown Prosecutor and chairman of the Ballinasloe Urban Council, an address of welcome to the hon. Member for East Mayo, of a strong political character, describing those who differed from him as traitors, on the occasion of the hon. Gentleman's visit to Portumna to attend a meeting of the United Irish League on Sunday, the 15th October last; whether Crown Prosecutors are permitted to take part in such matters; and, if not, what action he proposes to take?

Mr. JOHN ROCHE

Is it not the fact that Crown Prosecutors in the North of Ireland frequently attend demonstrations, both political and sectarian, at which disloyal speeches and threats of war are delivered?

Mr. BIRRELL

I should not like to answer the question. Mr. P. S. Golding, Crown Solicitor for the county of Galway, did sign an address of welcome to the hon. Member for East Mayo on the occasion referred to. He did not do so in his position of Crown Prosecutor, but as chairman of the Ballinasloe Urban District Council. There is no express rule prohibiting Crown Solicitors from taking part in political matters, but it is generally understood that they should not do so within their own counties, and the Irish Government considers it important that this understanding should be observed. It is Mr. Golding's intention not to seek reelection as chairman, and he will cease to be such at the end of the current year. Beyond pointing out to Mr. Golding the impropriety of his taking part in local politics while he holds the office of Crown Solicitor, the Attorney-General does not propose to take any action.

Mr. JOHN ROCHE

Ought not Crown Presecutors in the North of Ireland to be prohibited from taking any part in these disloyal demonstrations?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am quite sure the Attorney-General, if his attention is called to any dereliction on the part of Crown Prosecutors anywhere, will have much pleasure in doing it in the case of the North as in the case of the South.

Captain CRAIG

Did this gentleman sign his name to this address of welcome to the hon. Member (Mr. Dillon), not only as chairman of the urban district council but also as Crown Prosecutor for the county?

Mr. BIRRELL

Attention has been called to the impropriety of doing so.

Mr. MOONEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman forward a copy of his answer to the Crown Solicitor for the city of Belfast and Antrim?

Mr. BIRRELL

I will request the Attorney-General to look after the matter.