HC Deb 19 February 1914 vol 58 cc1110-1
15. Captain CRAIG

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that at the late Winter Assizes for county Kerry, at the trial of two men charged with a shooting outrage, it was necessary to challenge twenty-seven jurors before an impartial panel could be obtained to try the case, and that these twenty-seven jurors were all Roman Catholics and Nationalists; and, seeing that the Attorney-General had similarly to challenge forty-four jurors in a case of highway robbery in this county, whether any steps have been taken to restore the efficacy of trial by jury in that county?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am informed that in one case from the county of Kerry tried in the city of Cork at the last Winter Assizes twenty-nine jurors, and in another case from the same county forty-five jurors, were ordered to stand by, but in neither ease were any inquiries made as to the religious or political opinions of those persons. The Attorney-General does not interfere with the challenging of jurors, which is done by the Crown solicitor on his own responsibility and in strict accordance with settled official rules of long standing.

Mr. O'DONNELL

Is it not a fact that these Assizes were held in Cork and not in Kerry, and that no men from Kerry were on the panel? Under these circumstances would the hon. and gallant Gentleman who brought the charge withdraw it?

Mr. BIRRELL

It is perfectly true that these cases were tried in Cork with a Cork panel.

Mr. O'DONNELL

May I ask your attention, Mr. Speaker, to this matter, and inquire whether a Member of this House is entitled to make charges against a county, and if so, and they are proved to be unfounded, is it not fair and upright that he should withdraw them?

Captain CRAIG

Of course, it is quite clear that these Kerry Assizes were held in Cork.

Mr. O'DONNELL

I would draw your attention, Sir, to the question, which says that several men were ordered to stand by. These men were not Kerry men. The charge was made against Kerry men. Will not the hon. and gallant Gentleman withdraw it?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. and gallant Gentleman stands corrected.

Mr. FLAVIN

A man of honour, when his statements have been shown to be incorrect, might be expected to withdraw them.

Captain CRAIG

I am sorry to have given offence in any way, but I still stick to my opinion that the Kerry Assizes were held in Cork.