HC Deb 26 July 1887 vol 318 cc22-3
MR. M'CARTAN (Down, S.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If he can state whether an attack was made by a member of a "Loyalist" band party on a Protestant Home Ruler named Mr. James H. Johnstone, of Larne, at Ballyclare Junction Railway Station on the 13th July; whether Mr. Johnston, when carrying some parcels on the platform of the station, was asked by this member of the "Loyalist" band if he were a Home Ruler; whether, on hearing Mr. Johnstone's reply that he was a Home Ruler, this Loyalist thereupon attacked Mr. Johnston, struck him on the face, and seriously injured him; whether the authorities of the Railway Company have taken any action in the matter; and, whether the Government will use its influence with its supporters at Ulster to try and prevent a repetition of such conduct towards Protestant Home Rulers there?

COLONEL M'CALMONT (Antrim, E.)

put a Question, which was inaudible, and which was understood to refer to Mr. Johnston's religious belief.

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

said, he had no information as to Mr. Johnston's political or religious opinions. The District Inspector reported that when Mr. Johnston was crossing the station at Ballyclare Junction he was met by a young man belonging to a flute band, who asked him if he was a home Ruler, He replied in the affirmative, and was thereupon struck by the young man. The station master then interfered. The assault was of a trifling description, and both appeared to be under the influence of drink. Mr. Johnston did not complain to the police; but he understood that the matter would be investigated at Petty Sessions.

MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

asked whether the county was not proclaimed; and, whether this offence did not come within the Intimidation Clause of the Criminal Law Amendment (Ireland) Act?

COLONEL KING-HARMAN

said, he hardly thought that a transaction arising out of a drunken row of this kind would come within the Intimidation Clause.

MR. SEXTON

Does it make any difference in the offence if the man who commits the offence happens to be a tipsy flute player?

[No reply.]