HC Deb 29 March 1912 vol 36 c837W
Mr. DORIS

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that, at a special Court held in Castlebar on 30th January last, Mr. Thomas S. Moclair, of Rahins, was returned for trial to the Mayo Assizes on a charge of alleged conspiracy in connection with a public meeting held at Straide on 17th December, 1910; that Mr. Moclair answered to his recognisances at the Mayo Assises held on 13th March, and presented himself thereat for trial; that an application was made to Lord Justice Holmes on behalf of the Crown for an adjournment, with a view to a further application being made later on for a change of venue; that this application, which was opposed by Mr. Moclair, was granted; and, having regard to the expenses which will necessarily be incurred by Mr. Moclair as a result of the action of the Crown, firstly, in having to attend in Dublin when the application for a change of venue is being made, and, secondly, in attending to take his trial at whatever place may be fixed, whether the Crown are prepared to follow the same course in this case as was adopted in similar circumstances in the case against Mr. Joseph Conroy, and defray Mr. Moclair's expenses in connection with the application for a change of venue and the subsequent trial?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Crown are prepared to follow the same course in Mr. Moclair's case as in Mr. Conroy's case, and will accordingly pay Mr. Moclair's personal expenses, and those of his necessary witnesses, occasioned by their attendance in Dublin.