§ MR. MACARTNEY (Antrim, S.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether, on the 27th June, a Roman Catholic excursion party from Toome and Randalstown went to Castlerock; whether while the excursion trains were passing through Coleraine Station several shots were fired from the side next the platform, where a large number of people were assembled; whether any attempt was made to make the members of the excursion party amenable; and, whether, in consequence of the repeated firing from trains resulting in serious bodily injury, the Government will institute a special inquiry into the circumstances attending the excursion of the Irish National Foresters?
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY (Colonel KING-HARMAN) (Kent, Isle of Thanet)(who replied) said: I am informed that when the excursion train on its return journey from Castlerock had nearly passed through Coleraine Station, at which it did not stop, about 10 or 12 shots were fixed from it towards the end of the platform. One bullet struck a railway signboard. There was a large number of people on the platform at the time; but, fortunately, no person was injured. The occurrence was thereupon telegraphed to the police of Toome Bridge, which was the train's destination and first stopping place. The sergeant, with, two constables, at once proceeded to the railway station and awaited the arrival of the train; but failed to make anyone amenable, nor were subsequent efforts more successful.