37. Mr. HAZLETONasked whether any protest has been made by any portion of the Irish Bar against the arrangements made for the Connaught Winter Assizes; and whether, in view of the objections in Connaught to the policy of sending prisoners from that province to be tried in Ulster, the arrangements will be altered?
§ Mr. R. McNEILLBefore the right hon. Gentleman answers this question, will he take note of the animosity against Ulster and its significance in regard to the question of Irish government?
§ Mr. DUKEI will take as little note of animosity as possible. In answer to the question on the Paper, I may say that I 1600 am not aware of any such representations. It is not proposed to alter the arrangements for holding the coming Connaught Winter Assizes which have been duly made by the proper authority.
Mr. HAZLETONHas the right hon. Gentleman considered the question of sending prisoners from Lister to be tried in Connaught?
§ Mr. DEVLINWhat is the reason for this change?
§ Mr. DUKEThe only reason of which I am aware is the desire to economise both public money and the moneys of individuals. I cannot conceive that there is anything subtle underlying a regulation of this sort. If I thought there was anything of that sort, I should have given a great deal of consideration to it before it came into operation.
§ Mr. DEVLINCan the right hon. Gentleman say what the economies are? What amount will be saved? Is it not rather indecent that judges who are paid £3,500 a year should economise in a matter to suit their personal convenience? Should they not economise in other matters not affecting the public interest and public convenience?
§ Mr. DUKEI have no doubt that all these questions were taken into consideration by the very competent body which has disposed of the matter.
Mr. PR INGLEIs it in consequence of the merciful view that is taken by Connaught juries that the Government does not propose to send Ulster prisoners there?
§ Mr. DEVLINIs it a fact that the competent body which determines this question are the judges? Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the judges, considering the large salaries they are paid, should allow a matter of their personal convenience to influence their decision; and whether they should allow the public interests to be subordinated to the interests of the gentlemen who sit on this tribunal?
§ Mr. DEVLINWho does it then?