HC Deb 11 November 1884 vol 293 cc1453-5
MR. GRAY

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is a fact that, on the 7th instant, a policeman at Drogheda publicly removed from the shop window of one of the principal newsagents of the town the coloured cartoon supplement of The Weekly Freeman, and of United Ireland, and threatened him with prosecution in the event of its being again exhibited; whether this was done by the authority, or with the approval, of the Government; whether it is true that on former occasions, when similar conduct on the part of constables was complained of in this House, the representative of the Irish Government stated that the acts were done without authority, and that steps would be taken to prevent their repetition; and, whether, in the event of the constable having acted without authority, and proceedings being taken against him, he will be defended at the public expense?

MR. CAMPBELL - BANNERMAN

The cartoons were posted up outside a shop window in a very narrow thoroughfare, and caused an obstruction by collecting persons at that point. It was on this account they were interfered with, and not because of anything in their character. The newsvendor had previously received several cautions as to obstructions at his door; and on this occasion the person in charge of the shop was asked to remove the cause of the obstruction before the police interfered with it. If the obstruction was real, the police acted within their instructions, which, as regards placards, are, that they must not allow them to be posted in situations where persons collected to read them intercept the passengers. The former cases to which the hon. Member refers were not, I think, analogous, there having been no question of obstruction. With regard to the last paragraph of the Question, the rule is that when proceedings are taken against the police for alleged violation of duty, they are required to defend themselves; and the question of reimbursement depends upon whether or not it is shown they are to blame.

MR. JESSE COLLINGS

Was the placard outside the shop, or placed inside the window, in the ordinary way?

MR. CAMPBELL - BANNERMAN

It was posted outside the window.

MR. CALLAN

I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is the fact that for the last 10 years the same newsvendor has posted placards in that same identical spot, and has never been even summoned by the police?

MR. CAMPBELL - BANNERMAN

I do not know whether it was the same newsvendor; but it could not have been the same placard.

MR. T. P. O'CONNOR

Then, am I to understand from the right hon. Gentleman that it is the character of the last placard that is objected to? If I understand aright, the right hon. Gentleman did not deny the statement of my hon. Friend that this newsvendor has posted these placards without any opposition from the police for the last 10 years, and that exception was taken to it for the first time in the case of the last placard. Further, I would like to ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware that no person in existence, except himself, believes the explanation of the police-constable?

MR. CAMPBELL - BANNERMAN

I do not think the last Question is intended to be answered. In answer to the previous Question of the hon. Member, I have no information as to what has taken place during the last 10 years. I have read the Report received on the subject, and which gives, primâ facie, sufficient reasons for what has been done.