HC Deb 05 April 1887 vol 313 cc489-90
MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether, considering the importance attached to the Commissioners on the Belfast riots to local knowledge of Belfast in suppressing disorder there, and the length of time during which Colonel Forbes, R.M., and Mr. M'Carthy, R.M., have been stationed in Belfast, the Government will postpone their final decision as to the removal of these officials until their entire scheme for the preservation of social order in Belfast is submitted to the House?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)

I understand that Notice was sent some time ago to the two gentlemen in question, that they were to be transferred to other localities, so that, practically, the final decision has been clearly taken.

MR. SEXTON

I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman, whether, although the Royal Commissioners insisted upon the importance of local knowledge of Belfast on the part of the Resident Magistrates who have to deal with disorder there, the Government will persist in removing two magistrates who have local knowledge and replacing them by two magistrates who have none; and, whether they will do this while postponing action upon all the other recommendations of the Commission?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

As I have already informed the hon. Gentleman, a final decision has already been come to—I think nearly two months ago.

MR. SEXTON

I beg to give Notice that, at the earliest opportunity, I shall, in the name of my constituents, protest against the adoption of this course, and point out the danger with which it is attended.