HC Deb 09 September 1887 vol 321 cc18-9
MR. SEXTON(for Dr. TANNER) (Cork Co., Mid.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If he can state why the police have failed to obtain the real names and addresses of the men whose conduct in the Cork Theatre on the night of the 29th August stopped the performance of the play; whether the men alluded to alleged they were County Magistrates, and gave their address in Cork as the County Club; and, whether, if it be ascertained by the police that they, or any of them, are magistrates, the Lord Chancellor's attention be directed to the matter?

MR. MACARTNEY (Antrim, S.)

Perhaps my right hon. and gallant Friend would, at the same time, answer my Question, No. 32?

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

(who replied) said: I will answer my hon. Friend's Question in its order The District Inspector of Constabulary reports that there was only one person charged with creating a disturbance on the night of the 30th of August, not the 29th, as alleged, and the police obtained his name from the manager. Some of the persons alluded to alleged they were magistrates; but did not give their address as the County Club. The police cannot ascertain if those persons were or were not magistrates. The police who were on duty in the theatre state that they did not observe any misconduct.

MR. J. O'CONNOR (Tipperary, S.)

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the Mayor of Cork protested strongly against the conduct of the police on this occasion; and is he aware that the police are not acting in accordance with the Mayor's orders in the preservation of the peace of the City of Cork?

COLONEL KING-HARMAN

I do not quite see what the hon. Member means.

MR. J. O'CONNOR

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that on the following day, at the Police Office, the Mayor of Cork protested against the inaction of the police in this matter; and is he aware that, as a rule, the Mayor of Cork and police are not in harmony with regard to keeping the peace of the City of Cork, and the police are not giving the Mayor the support he requires?

COLONEL KING-HARMAN

I am not aware that the Mayor made any protest; nor am I aware that there is any want of accord between the police and the Mayor.