HC Deb 11 February 1887 vol 310 cc1221-2
MR. FINUCANE (Limerick, E.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether at a Petty Sessions Court, Colonel Pearse, P.M., in the chair, was held at Hospital, County Limerick, on the 2nd instant; whether the Kilteely fife and drum band, when passing the Courthouse, was, without warning, attacked by a body of police under the command of District Inspector Greene, Bruffa; if their band instruments were broken, and three of the bandsmen seriously wounded; whether, during the attack on the bandsmen, Mr. Edmond Davoren complained to Colonel Pearse of the conduct of Inspector Greene, who only desisted from his attack on the people on a threat of bringing his conduct before Parliament; whether Colonel Pearse stated publicly in Court that the only order he gave was to clear the Court, and not to use any unnecessary violence; and, whether the Government will order an investigation into the conduct of Inspector Greene on this and previous similar occasions?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)

The band referred to was causing noise and disturbance, interfering with the business of the Court. The magistrate instructed the police to stop the band, and that was done. It is not a fact that anybody was seriously hurt. I see no grounds for the investigation.

MR. M'CARTAN (Down, S.)

Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman if this was the same District Inspector Greene recently removed from Belfast? [Cries of "Order, order!"]

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

I really do not know, Sir. I meant to convey that, whoever the District Inspector may be. He simply acted under the orders of the magistrate.

MR. W. ABRAHAM (Limerick, W.)

May I be permitted to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether this District Inspector Greene is the same officer with reference to whom Colonel Forbes, P.M., of Belfast, gave evidence before the recent Royal Commission, to the effect that he persistently neglected his duty in not having his men in proper time to attend to their several duties?

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

I can only say that I think it is most unfair to District Inspector Greene, or to any officer of the police, to ask such a Question as that without giving Notice.