HC Deb 19 August 1886 vol 308 cc90-1
MR. SEXTON

I wish to ask the right hon. Baronet the Chief Secretary for Ireland two Questions, of which I have given him private Notice, with respect to the condition of social order in Belfast. The first is, What are the intentions of the Government with regard to a resolution adopted at a meeting of the Catholics of Belfast on the 16th instant, protesting against the proposal to withdraw the extra police force from that town, and to substitute stipendiary magistrates for the ordinary justices, on the ground that the adoption of these suggestions would be disastrous to the peace of the town and would endanger the lives of the people? The second Question is, Who are to be the additional Members whom the Government intend to appoint on the Royal Commission of Inquiry in regard to the Belfast riots?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)

I was not aware that Questions would, be asked to-day, and I did not receive Notice of the first Question of the hon. Member at all. If he will put it down upon the Paper, I will endeavour to answer it another day; but I rather gather that it relates to a condition of things in Belfast that is past. With regard to the second Question, I may say our intention is to strengthen the Commission appointed by the late Government, and to extend the scope of its inquiry. We do not intend to substitute a Royal Commission for the Commission of the Lord Lieutenant, for the simple reason that no additional powers would be given by the change. We are considering in what way the full and searching inquiry which everybody desires can best be secured, and with regard to that matter whether it would be well for us to apply to Parliament for power to be given to the Commissioners to take evidence upon oath. The House is aware that, without Parliamentary sanction, that power cannot be conferred upon the Commissioners.

MR. SEXTON

Does the right hon. Gentleman expect to be able to give the names of the additional Commissioners to-morrow?

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

No, Sir; I do not think that I shall be able to do that so soon.

MR. JOHN MORLEY (Newcastle-on-Tyne)

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to state to-morrow in what respect he proposes to enlarge the scope of the inquiry ordered by the late Government?

SIR MICHAEL HICKS - BEACH

Yes, Sir; I think I could do so.