§ SIR GUYER HUNTER (Hackney, Central)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what purpose, and by whose authority, was a large number of the Metropolitan Police employed both inside and outside the Royal College of Surgeons on the afternoon of the 28th ult?
§ MR. MATTHEWSI am informed by the Commissioner of Police that from information received at Scotland Yard there was some reason to apprehend disturbance at a meeting to be held at the College. The usual precautions under such circumstances were directed—namely, the placing of a few patrols in the vicinity to prevent any disorder which might arise. The superintendent, however, misconceived his instructions, and, contrary to usual practice, placed a force of men inside the building. He has been informed that he was wrong in so doing.
§ SIR GUYER HUNTERMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that on the morning of the occurrence the police were placed inside and outside the building after Mr. Costello, the Counsel for the Association of the members of the College of Surgeons, had given an assurance to Mr. Justice Stirling that he would make use of no other than legal means to obtain their rights?
§ MR. MATTHEWSI have had no communication to that effect from Mr. Justice Stirling.