§ MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he has seen a report in The Freeman's Journal of the 3rd instant, to the following effect, that—
In Castlerea, on Saturday last, on the occasion of Mr. John Fitzgibbons's trial, a number of little boys with whistles went through the town, the eldest not being over 14 years of age. One of the policemen, who were very excited, attacked a boy only 12 years old, and struck him with a baton on the head, inflicting a severe wound. So much blood flowed that it was deemed desirable to bring him to the barrack and have the wound washed before showing him to the magistrates;are the facts as stated; who was in command of the police, and were they ordered to charge the boys and baton them; what was the result of this boy being brought before the magistrates; 1478 and, whether he will cause an inquiry to be made into the conduct of the police on this occasion?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)I have not had time to get particulars of the case referred to, but I hope to be able to answer to-morrow.