HC Deb 14 July 1881 vol 263 c835
MR. TOTTENHAM

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he has ascertained that the statement of Mr. Brown, of Newbridge, that his reason for refusing to serve John Costello with liquor on the 6th June was "because he was drunk" was untrue, and whether Costello was not perfectly sober; whether he has ascertained that the publican took away the liquor and threw it on the ground, on hearing that it was for Costello, who had just returned from driving police and prisoners; and, whether the Government approve of and intend to support the action of General Frazer in putting this public house out of bounds?

MR. CHILDERS

In reply to the hon. Member, I have to state that I have no intention to interfere with the decision of Sir Thomas Steele in this matter. I have read the statements on record, and I am satisfied that Costello was sober, and that Mr. Brown refused to supply him with beer because he had been employed by the police.