HC Deb 25 May 1882 vol 269 cc1606-7
MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether the statements in the public press that a severe riot took place at Limerick on Saturday night; that the police were obliged to remain for over half-an-hour, exposed to a storm of heavy stones; that one constable is now confined to hospital from concussion of the brain, and a second constable has received "a fearful gash on the side of the head," while others were much hurt; and that, but for the interference of two priests, every policeman present would have been stoned to death—are correct; and, whether Her Majesty's Government intend to take efficient steps to protect the police, in the execution of their public duty, from lawless mobs and brutal violence, and to punish the offenders?

MR. TREVELYAN

The statements in the public Press are incorrect; but I regret to say that two members of the Constabulary Force, in the discharge of their duty, received very serious injuries at the hands of a violent mob of some thousands of people. The two constables in question were on patrol duty. They were assaulted by a disorderly crowd. They arrested one prisoner, and when conveying him to barracks a mob assembled, stoned the police, and attempted to rescue the prisoner; both constables received wounds on the head, and the doctors considered their lives in danger. In consequence of the murderous disposition evinced towards the Constabulary by certain classes in Limerick, the town force has been increased by 24 men, and in future the patrols will be strengthened.

MR. HEALY

asked whether Mr. Clifford Lloyd had any charge of the police at Limerick, or whether the police were in charge of him; also, how many riots had taken, place in Limerick since Mr. Clifford Lloyd had been there; and how many riots had occurred in a corresponding period when he was not there?

MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

wished, before the Question was answered, to ask whether Mr. Clifford Lloyd was not an able and efficient public servant?

MR. TREVELYAN

I make a very careful selection of the Questions which I can answer without Notice; but this is not one of them.