§ MR. CUNNINGHAME GRAHAM (Lanark, N.W.)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If he is aware that Constable Joseph O'Grady was dismissed, after 13 years' service and good character, from the Metropolitan Police Force for having presented a Petition in favour of one of his comrades; and, whether he can see his way to make any representation to Sir Charles Warren with reference to this case?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.), in reply, said, the question has been altered in its form since his answer had been prepared. It contained a suggestion that the constable named was dismissed from the Metropolitan Police on the ground of being a Home Ruler. [Mr. CUNNINGHAME GRAHAM: I apologize.] The Commissioner informed him that he was not aware whether the constable was a Home Ruler or not. He was dismissed for insubordination in getting up a Petition against the punishment awarded by the Chief Constable to other policemen for drunkenness while on duty. His defaulters' sheet was a very bad one, and he (Mr. Matthews) did not propose to interfere in the matter.