HC Deb 19 April 1888 vol 324 cc1711-2
MR. J. E. ELLIS (Nottingham, Rushcliffe)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether, in a case tried at Ennis on the 13th April before Captain Keogh, R.M., and Mr. Irwin, R.M., arising out of the proceedings at Ennis on the 8th of April, Mr. Shannon, barrister-at-law, was instructing District Inspector Hill, who was conducting the prosecution for the Government; whether Mr. Shannon is the private secretary of Colonel Turner, who was in command of the police and military on the 8th of April; whether during the proceedings a largo body of soldiers was marched into Court with their rifles on shoulder, and placed in one of the galleries; and, what was the object of this military demonstration in a Court of Justice?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)

District Inspector Shannon was not instructing District Inspector Hill, though he was undoubtedly giving him assistance. District Inspector Shannon is not Colonel Turner's private secretary. There was no military demonstration in Court; but some soldiers were placed in one of the galleries in order to prevent a repetition of such disgraceful scenes of disorder as had on previous occasions occurred in the courthouse.

MR. EDWARD HARRINGTON (Kerry, W.)

What is Mr. Shannon's exact position?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I will not be sure; but I believe his title is Special Crimes Officer.

MR. EDWARD HARRINGTON

Then he is under Colonel Turner?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Naturally.