§ MR. BIGGARasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether, in 1868, Daniel Walsh, then a 593 member of the Metropolitan Police Force, was charged with collecting money for Fenian purposes; and, whether, on investigation, it was proved that the only purpose for which he had collected was for a Roman Catholic church in Ballymoney, county Antrim?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT, in reply, said, there was never any allegation made that this man collected money for Fenian purposes. He was charged with collecting money for a school, and as that was contrary to the Rules of the Police Force, he was reprimanded, He (Sir William Harcourt) would ask the hon. Member to consider whether a small question of discipline in the Police Force occurring 16 years ago was one that ought to occupy the attention of the House?
MR. O'BRIENMay I ask, Sir, whether this man is followed up to this day by detectives, and prevented from obtaining employment in London by the repetition of this old story?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTI know nothing about what the hon. Member refers to; and I am only surprised that I was able to get any information at all about a small reprimand occurring in the Force 16 years ago.