§ MR. BLANEI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if his attention has been called to the fact that, by direction of Sub-Inspector Bigley, of Lurgan, County Armagh, Acting Sergeant Beyers, and three other constables, fired upon a boat containing three fishermen, named James Robinson, 900 John Robinson, and John Campbell, on the River Bann, and that, when remonstrated with by the fishermen on their conduct, the Sergeant pointed his rifle at John Campbell, and threatened "to shoot him to hell," if he spoke another word; and whether, since the Magistrate at Portadown has granted a warrant for the arrest of Acting Sergeant Beyers, the Government will take any steps in the prosecution?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe Constabulary authorities report that District Inspector Bigley gave no such direction as alleged in the question, nor was he present on the occasion referred to. Robinson has alleged that Acting Sergeant Beyers fired at him, but the Acting Sergeant denies the charge. He has been admitted by the Magistrate who issued the warrant to bail in his own reeognisance of £20. A summons has been issued by the District Inspector against Acting Sergeant Beyers, which will come on for hearing at the Lurgan Petty Sessions on the 20th inst.
§ MR. BLANEWere the cartridges of these men examined when they came in? because they are issued in certain numbers.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI do not profess to have looked into the evidence, nor do I think it would be proper to do so as the case is coming on for trial.
§ MR. BLANEDoes the right hon. Gentleman know of any case in which a person firing at another was released on a £20 bail?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI presume that the Magistrate did not think that the constable fired at any particular individual, but I cannot give the hon. Member any other information than that.