§ MR. HEALYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If his attention has been called to a speech at Bolton, reported in the "Manchester Examiner" of 10th instant, by Mr. R. Pennington, who said, in moving a vote of confidence in the Conservative leaders:
If Joe Chamberlain had been stabbed in the Park he would have met with his just deserts. (Applause.) It was no use being mealy-mouthed about the matter;and, if he proposes taking any action in the matter?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTSir, my attention has been called to this matter by the Question of the hon. 671 Member opposite (Mr. Healy.) All I can say is, that if language of this kind has been employed, nothing could be more detestable, nothing could deserve greater condemnation, and, if possible, punishment. As to the latter part of the Question, the difficulty I am under at present is, that I have no authentic report of such a statement, and I am not aware that the person supposed to have used this language is a justice of the Peace. If he should be so, the Lord Chancellor's attention will be instantly called to his conduct, if it proves to be well founded.