HC Deb 26 May 1882 vol 269 cc1708-9
MR. HEALY

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether, on the evening of the Phœnix Park murders, the Chief of the Dublin Police, Captain Talbot, was absent from Dublin, and was only apprized of the tragedy on Sunday morning, at his residence, Shankhill, some ten miles from Dublin; if it is the case that there is no telegraph office at Shankhill; and, if the Government approve of Captain Talbot living so far away from the scene of his duties? The hon. Member observed that in the Question as he had originally placed it on the Paper he had asked, not whether Captain Talbot was absent from Dublin, but whether after the murders he could not be discovered?

MR. TREVELYAN

said, he would read the telegrams he had received in reference to this Question— Captain Talbot having been informed by Mr. Burke on Saturday, the 6th May, that he would not be wanted again until Monday, left for his residence at Shankhill. His house is only three minutes' walk from the railway station, and trains run to Dublin at frequent intervals. There is no telegraph station at Shankhill, but there is one within two miles, at Ballybrack, where a car is always available. Captain Talbot was informed of the murder at 10 o'clock on Saturday evening, and was in his office in Dublin at 11.15. The Assistant Commissioner resided in Dublin.

MR. HEALY

I wish to ask whether the Government approve of Captain Talbot living so far away from the city?

MR. TREVELYAN

On that point I cannot answer off-hand. I had not time to communicate with the Lord Lieutenant.

MR. HEALY

I shall ask the Question again on Monday week.

MR. REDMOND

Can the right hon. Gentleman now answer the Question I asked him a few days ago—namely, who were responsible for the withdrawal of the police patrol which was stationed in the Phœnix Park up to the day of the murder; if Captain Talbot is not responsible, who is responsible?

MR. TREVELYAN

The only information I have got with regard to this matter is a telegram to-day, which states that no police patrol were withdrawn from the Phœnix Park on the morning of the 6th of May. I shall, however, make further inquiries into the matter.

MR. O'KELLY

asked whether the patrols had been discontinued on the morning before that of the day on which the murders were committed?

[No answer was given to the Question.]