§ MR. M'LAREN (Cheshire, Crewe)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been called to the account in the papers of an attempt, on May 6th, to break up a meeting, in favour of Home Rule, in Audlem, in the Eddesbury Division of Cheshire, to the following effect:—
That, while Mr. Walter M'Laren, M.P., was speaking, some person placed under the door behind the platform a lighted fusee, attached to a bag containing cayenne pepper and other strong smelling powder. That the room soon became full of dense and poisonous smoke, and every one was nearly suffocated, while it had a most injurious effect on their throats and lungs;whether he will offer a reward for the discovery of the perpetrators of this outrage; and, if they are discovered, whether he will prosecute them?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. STUART-WORTLEY) (Sheffield, Hallam)(who replied) said: The Secretary of State's attention has not been called, otherwise than by the hon. Member's Question, to the newspaper report referred to. The preservation of order, and the detection of crime in the County of Cheshire are duties incumbent upon the County Police. The Secretary of State has discontinued the practice of offering rewards.