HC Deb 22 July 1887 vol 317 cc1765-6
MR. JOHN O'CONNOR (Tipperary, S.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is a fact that on Sunday, June 26, placards were posted on the walls at Bansha, County Tipperary, calling for aid for the tenants on the O'Grady property; whether these placards stated that the treasurers of the fund to be raised were the Mayor of Limerick, the High Sheriff of Limerick, and the Rev. Eugene Sheehy, and that the object of the fund had the approval of the honourable Member for East Mayo, and the honourable Member for North-East Cork; whether Constable Griffin tore down these placards, and when remonstrated with said he would continue to do so as fast as they were put up; and, whether he will inquire into Constable Griffin's conduct?

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY (Colonel KING-HARMAN) (Kent, Isle of Thanet)

(who replied) said, that placards such as were mentioned in the Question were posted in Bansha, County Tipperary, on Sunday, the 26th of June. The placards were in furtherance of the Plan of Campaign. Constable Griffin did tear down the placards. He also said that he would take down any others that might be posted. The sergeant's action was approved of by the Divisional Magistrate. The Government saw no ground for inquiry, as the sergeant had only discharged his duty.

MR. W. O'BRIEN (Cork Co., N.E.)

asked, could the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say why the Divisional Magistrate ordered the placards to be taken down?

COLONEL KING-HARMAN

said, he had not stated that the Divisional Magistrate had ordered the placards to be taken down. He had said that the sergeant had acted in the discharge of his duty, and his action had been approved of by the Divisional Magistrate.

SIR WILFRID LAWSON (Cumberland, Cockermouth)

asked, if it was the duty of the police to take down all placards, or only special ones?

COLONEL KING-HARMAN

No, Sir. All illegal placards.

MR. CHANCE (Kilkenny, S.)

asked, if the right hon. and gallant Gentleman could state what were the contents of the placards?

COLONEL KING-HARMAN

said, he had not got them with him, and could not state their contents. It related, however, to the Plan of Campaign.