HC Deb 07 July 1913 vol 55 cc46-7W
Mr. ROBERT THOMPSON

asked the Chief Secretary if, having regard to the dissatisfaction which exists as to the operation of the jury system as at present administered in Ireland, it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to appoint a Committee to inquire into the existing defects of the Irish system, or is it intended that legislation shall be introduced to follow on the lines of the Report of the Committee over which Lord Mersey presided in the recent inquiry as to the better working of the English system?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am not aware of the existence of any general dissatisfaction as to the operation of the present jury system in Ireland which calls for the appointment of a Committee of Inquiry. As to the second part of the question, the propriety of extending to Ireland any legislation which may be introduced on the subject will be considered.