HC Deb 05 July 1917 vol 95 cc1297-8
23. Mr. FARRELL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the criminal proceedings instituted at last Longford Quarter Sessions against Bernard Curran, of Moatavally, Coolamber, County Longford, by the Crown for alleged forcible entry into a farm and house from which he had been evicted; whether the County Court judge adjourned his decision in the case to the October Sessions in order to have a settlement come to between the parties; whether, in pursuance of the suggestion of the judge, he is aware that an hon. Member of this House, the Member for North Longford, went to Dublin to the agent's office and tendered three years' rent and costs to the agent, in order to secure the reinstatement of Curran, giving at the same time a guarantee for the future prompt payment of the rent; whether this offer was refused by Mr. H. B. Stanley, who stated the case was now in the hands of the Crown and he would not interfere; and whether, in view of the evident intention of Mr. Stanley to exterminate this man, he will direct that further criminal proceedings against Curran be abandoned, and let Mr. Stanley pursue his legal remedy, if he has any, on the civil side of the Court at his own expense?

Mr. DUKE

The case is sub judice, and I cannot intervene.

Mr. FARRELL

The point of the question is, will the Government exercise its power so that the Crown should not be made a party to what is really a civil action?

Mr. DUKE

These are legal proceedings, and they must take their course.

Mr. FARRELL

Did not the chairman of Quarter Sessions adjourn the case to enable a settlement to be reached?

Mr. DUKE

I cannot help it if the parties do not settle.

Mr. FARRELL

There will be trouble about it, and plenty of it.