HC Deb 25 July 1918 vol 108 cc1976-8
13. Mr. DONOVAN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a number of criminal charges arising out of circumstances politically motived have been transferred from counties in the South and West of Ireland to the venue of the city of Belfast; and whether, in view of the decision of one of His Majesty's judges in Ireland overruling the Attorney-General and refusing to transfer a case of this kind to Belfast on the ground that an impartial trial of such cases could not be had there, steps will be taken to end the practice of sending political prisoners from the South and West of Ireland to be tried before their political opponents in the northern province?

Mr. SHORTT

It is not the fact that venues have been changed in cases in which the hon. Member describes as politically motived from counties in the South and West of Ireland to Belfast. There have been fifteen cases transferred for trial by special juries to Cork City and five to Belfast. The case referred to in the question was one in which two men were charged with raiding a dwelling-house for arms in the King's County. In the judgment of the Attorney-General no question of religion or politics was involved in this transaction to prevent its being tried with perfect impartiality by a special jury at Belfast. Having regard, however, to certain statements made in the affidavits on a motion to change the venue from Belfast to Cork, Mr. Justice O'Connor thought it better the case should be tried at Cork. There is no foundation whatever for the suggestions contained in the latter portion of the question.

Mr. DILLON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these proceedings are being taken under the Crimes Act of 1887, and that the leaders of the Liberal party to which he belongs gave a pledge in this House that they would never resort to that Act?

Mr. SHORTT

I do not know

Mr. DEVLIN

If these transfers have not taken place because of political reasons, why has the venue been changed at all?

Mr. SHORTT

It has been changed in order that a fair and impartial trial may be secured.

Mr. DEVLIN

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that an atmosphere which has been poisoned by the recent proceedings on the 12th of July against all Nationalists in Ireland is an impartial venue for the trial of Catholics from the South of Ireland? Is that in consonance with the right hon. Gentleman's Liberal principles?

Mr. SHORTT

Each case must be decided on its merits. In those cases it was the best.

Mr. REDDY

Is this because Carson is ruling Ireland?