HC Deb 14 February 1888 vol 322 cc373-4
MR. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)

Before I put the Question which stands in my name to the right hon. Gentleman, it is necessary that I should supplement the first paragraph by asking him whether the Rev. Mr. Allen, who was the rector, had not previously sent an apology for not being able to attend a Unionist demonstration? I now beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If it is true that an attack has been made on the Protestant Church of Mulloughdun, County Fermanagh, and all the windows smashed; if a branch of the National League exists in the district; and, if any of the perpetrators of the outrage have been made amenable to justice?

MR. H.CAMPBELL (Fermanagh, S.)

In connection with the occurrence referred to by the hon. Gentleman, and before the right hon. Gentleman gives his answer, I beg to ask him whether he is aware that the Catholic priest of the district, immediately on hearing of the outrage, wrote at once to Mr. Bloomfield— the party aggrieved—expressing his strongest condemnation, and declaring that every assistance to discover the guilty party would be offered by the priests and Catholics of the neighbourhood; and, whether it is a fact that some very active members of the Irish. Loyal and Patriotic Union reside in this district?

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY (Colonel KING-HARMAN)(who replied) (Kent, Isle of Thanet)

said: With regard to the supplementary portion of the first paragraph just put by the hon. Gentleman the Member for South. Belfast, I have no information beyond the personal knowledge that the rev. gentleman did not attend the meeting; but I am not aware whether he sent an apology or not. I have reason to believe that he is on good terms with his Roman Catholic neighbours. As to the Question on the Paper, the Constabulary reported that between the 29th of January and the 4th of February, 11 small panes of glass were broken in two windows of the church, which is situated in a lonely place. At present no persons had been made amenable for the offence. No branch of the National League exists in that district.