HC Deb 03 July 1882 vol 271 cc1261-2
SIR WALTER B.BARTTELOT

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, considering the atrocious character of the murders now almost daily committed in Ireland, the Government are taking energetic measures, with the large forces at their disposal, to apprehend the murderers, and to prevent the recurrence of these terrible crimes; and, whether, considering that the Protection of Life and Property Act, 1881, is still in force, any use is being made of that Act?

MR. GLADSTONE

Sir, with respect to the first part of the Question, I have no hesitation in saying—indeed, I think the character of Lord Spencer may be a guarantee for it—that every effort will be made by the Government in the disposal both of their civil and military means for the repression of outrages in Ireland; but it will not be convenient or advantageous that I should enter upon details which would convey information to those for whom it is by no means intended. As to the second part of the Question, the Protection of Person and Property Act is still being enforced. Lord Spencer regards it as an Act proper to be used in cases in which it can be employed advantageously, and upon that principle he will act should a case arise.

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

May I ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any new warrants under that Act have been issued since the resignation of the right hon. Member for Bradford (Mr. W. E. Forster)?

MR. TREVELYAN

Sir, three of the cases in which warrants have been issued have occurred since the resignation of my right hon. Friend.

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

May I ask who signed the warrants?

MR. TREVELYAN

Sir, the warrants were signed in Ireland with my full knowledge. The three warrants referred to were issued in consequence of the outrages which occurred subsequent to the resignation of my right hon. Friend.

THE O'DONOGHUE

I beg to ask my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary for Ireland, whether he is in a position to give the House any information in reference to the serious disturbance which is reported to have occurred at Listowel on Sunday?

MR. TREVELYAN

Sir, I am not in possession of much information on the subject, but the last news I received was as late as 4.52 P.M., and I will read what I have to the House—

"Telegram No. 1.—From Colonel Brackenbury to the Chief Secretary.

"Dublin Castle, July 3, 3.25 P.M.

"Serious riot at Listowel yesterday. A constable fired four shots on mob from revolver. No one injured."

"Telegram No. 2.—From same to same.

"No particulars beyond those already sent received as to riot at Listowel."