§ 2. Mr. KINGasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has noted the facts revealed by the Irish summer Assizes, that 1338 in the whole country less than 100 cases of crime were in the calendars, that in three Assize counties the judges were entitled to receive white gloves, and that there was a diminution of specially reported cases due to the condemnation of raids for arms, etc., by the bishops and clergy; and whether he will report to the War Office that the military garrison in Ireland can safely be reduced?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. Arthur Samuels)The information at present available does not enable me to answer in detail the first part of the question, but, as I stated yesterday in reply to a similar question of the hon. Member, I am aware that in some counties the calendars were light, and that in one county at least there was no criminal case for trial. I am informed, however, that there has been an increase in the number of specially reported cases. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. KINGWith regard to the specially reported cases, will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to give us the exact figures later, not only of this year but of last year, because the information seems to point to a reduction?
§ Mr. SAMUELSI swill ask the hon. Member to put down that question, as it would take a long time to get the information.