HC Deb 22 March 1889 vol 334 cc508-9
MR. MAC NEILL

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he can state why, in addition to the Police and Military, a staff of detectives from Belfast are stationed in the district of Gweedore; and under what authority did these detectives last Friday, accompanied by two Gweedore constables, make a house to house visit in the townlands of Magheralisk and Knockstaller, note book in hand, and inquire of the head of each house whether he was at chapel on Sunday, 3rd February, and question the inhabitants as to their whereabouts and their associates on that day?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The constabulary authorities report that they are taking such steps as they consider necessary to make all the persons implicated in the murder of District inspector Martin amenable. The questions now being asked in this House are calculated to embarrass them in that direction. But when the case has been decided by a Court of Law they will be prepared to give every information which may be reasonably required.

SIR J. SWINBURNE (Staffordshire, Lichfield)

At what hour of the night did these visits take place?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I cannot answer the question without notice.

MR. MAC NEILL

Under what authority, Common or Statute Law, have these detectives from Belfast been or- dered to cross examine and Star Chamber the people?

*MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!