HC Deb 15 March 1917 vol 91 cc1261-2
19. Mr. WHITTY

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will call for and examine the police report upon which Mr. Justice Ross is said to have based his remarks to the grand jury of county Louth on the condition of the county; and whether he will produce the report or allow it to be examined by the hon. Members for county Louth?

Mr. DUKE

The statement made by the learned judge was based on information verbally communicated to him. I do not think it would be in the public interest that I should publish the substance of the communication.

Mr. HAZLETON

Has the right hon. Gentleman himself seen and read this report?

Mr. DUKE

I have inquired into the matter, and have been informed of the nature of the communications, and to my mind they are not communications which in the public interest should be published.

Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

Why should such communications be placed before any judge of Assizes who is going to try prisoners? My right hon. Friend knows that an English judge of Assizes would scorn such a thing.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is making a statement.