HC Deb 06 November 1882 vol 274 cc845-6
MR. W. J. CORBET

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, with reference to his statement in the case of Thomas Ryan, charged with assaulting Mr. Frizell, junior, to the effect that the prosecution was not brought under the Prevention of Crimes Act, Whether he has observed the following passage in the published report of the trial— Acting Constable Byrne said he was directed to bring this prosecution under the Prevention of Crimes Act; and, whether he will make further inquiry on the subject, and also ascertain under whose direction Acting Constable Byrne proceeded?

MR. TREVELYAN

There is nothing inconsistent in my statement in reply to the previous Question on this subject put to me by the hon. Member and the statement made by the constable. The Prevention of Crime Act, 1871, which applies to the United Kingdom, was the Act under which the constable proceeded in the charge of assault upon the police, and, in doing so, he proceeded under the direction of his officer.