HC Deb 08 July 1909 vol 7 cc1405-6
Mr. HALPIN

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention had been drawn to the statement of Mr. Justice Johnston to the grand jury of Clare, on Thursday last, viz., that only a few ordinary cases were to go before them, and that he was happy to have to tell them that none of them were agrarian; and, in view of this statement, would he withdraw the extra police from the county?

Mr. BIRRELL

I have seen a newspaper report of the observations of the learned judge. While I am happy to say there has recently been some improvement in the state of the county, the responsible police authorities do not consider that there are yet sufficient grounds for reducing the police.

Mr. WILLIAM REDMOND

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he has made these inquiries from the police as recently as the judge's charge to the grand jury; if not, whether he will make special inquiries now to ascertain whether, in view of the undoubted peaceable state of the county, it could not be possible, in some measure, at any rate, to relieve the ratepayers of the great burden of the payment of a large force of police that many people consider really unnecessary?

Mr. BIRRELL

I can assure the hon. Member that I am in constant weekly communication with the police as to the condition of county Clare. Naturally, I am glad to note an improvement, but I think that anybody who is acquainted with the Returns which I have received must recognise that there are still a great many occurrences of a character that necessitates watchfulness. I think it would be premature to remove the police at the present time, but we are watching the situation as a cat watches a mouse.

Mr. WILLIAM REDMOND

May I ask whether he will inquire as to whether it would not be possible in some measure to reduce the force of extra police, because undoubtedly the state of the county shows an improvement? If there be an improvement, why should there be that large number of police?

Captain CRAIG

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers, may I ask whether it is not a fact that the leaders of the Nationalist party have stated that if the Irish Land Bill is not put through they will let loose the dogs of war? In view of that statement, will the right hon. Gentleman in the meantime keep the police force at its full strength?

Mr. BIRRELL

I shall wait until the dogs are loosed! In the meantime, I can only say what I have already said, that we are watching the county with great care, and we shall at the earliest possible moment, and as soon as we think it can safely be done, reduce the number of the police.

Mr. JOHN O'CONNOR

Is it a fact that the judges at Munster Assizes have been presented with white gloves everywhere they have gone?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am not sure that that is so; but if true, it is a most gratifying circumstance. At the same time it would be idle to disguise the fact that there are occurrences in Ireland—and I dare say in other countries—that do not come before the Assizes at all, therefore you cannot altogether say that there is no occasion for watchfulness on the part of the police simply because these cases are not supported by evidence, and of a kind that can be dealt with at county Assizes.

Mr. HALPIN

Is it not a fact that at the two last quarter sessions at Kilrush the judge has been presented with white gloves?

Mr. BIRRELL

Yes, I think the number of white gloves in Ireland is a most gratifying thing.