§ Mr. NEWMANasked the Chief Secretary whether it is the intention of the Irish Government to appeal against the decision of Mr. Justice Boyd, declaring illegal the detention by the Customs authorities of arms imported into Ireland from any place abroad; and, if so, whether he will issue instructions or cause the same to be issued by the officer of State responsible to the Customs authorities to allow the importation until and if the proclamation 852W of the Government is upheld in the Court of Appeal?
§ Mr. BIRRELLMr. Justice Boyd gave no decision. He entered a formal judgment for the plaintiffs without giving any reasons or expressing any opinion. The hearing in Belfast was merely formal for the purpose of obtaining evidence. The judge stayed execution, and extended the time till the first day of the Easter Sittings to enable the defendant to move the Court to have judgment entered for him. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.