§ MR. DALYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether it is true that a meeting of colliers, computed at 20,000, was held at Amberwood Common, near Hindley, on Wednesday 27th instant, at which some constables in plain clothes on being recognised were grievously maltreated, since numerous acts of violence were committed; and whether, in vindication of Law and order, and for the protection of life and property, he will deem it his duty to advise Her Majesty's Government to pass some measure of coercion or repression for this disturbed portion of Her Majesty's dominions?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTI have received no special information in reference to this matter. The Question of the hon. Member only came to my knowledge this morning; therefore, I cannot give him full or precise details upon the subject; but I know there have been deplorable disturbances in those districts. In reference to the second part of the hon. Member's Question, all I can say is no information has reached me, nor have I any reason to think that the ordinary law is not sufficient in those districts for the protection of life and property.