HC Deb 15 June 1882 vol 270 cc1234-5
MR. O'SHAUGHNESSY

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether the magistrates of the borough of Limerick were given an opportunity of expressing their views to the Government on the state of that city before its late proclamation; whether they have, since the proclamation, addressed a protest to the Irish Government against that measure; whether the grounds of that protest have been considered, and, if not, whether they will be considered, by the Government; and, whether the proclamation was the result of private information in possession of the Government, or of the general condition of the city; and, if of the latter, whether he will state what circumstances of its condition have led to the step in question?

MR. TREVELYAN

Sir, a letter fully explaining all the facts of this case was addressed by the Lord Lieutenant to the Mayor of Limerick on the 10th instant. If the hon. and learned Member will communicate with the authorities of Limerick he will learn the nature of that letter, which, I think, answers the first three paragraphs of his Question. The city was proclaimed under the Act 6 Will. IV., c. 15, as in a state of disturbance, with a view of extra police being sent there on the recommendation of the County Inspector of Constabulary, after consulting and with the concurrence of the Resident Magistrate permanently stationed there, and the Special Resident Magistrate of the district.

MR. O'SHAUGHNESSY

asked whether the proclamation was the result of private information in the possession of the Government or of the general condition of the city?

MR. HEALY

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that Question, I should like to ask whether the Special Resident Magistrate is Mr. Clifford Lloyd?

MR. TREVELYAN

I have received no information relating to the general state of the city; but I hold in my hand a long list of riots and assaults on the police. This list occupies nearly four pages, and upon looking over it, I see that many of the cases are of a serious nature. As to the letter, I shall be very glad if the hon. and learned Member will communicate with the City authorities.