§ MR. HALLEY STEWART (Lincolnshire, Spalding)The Chief Secretary, in answering my question just now, referred me to the ordinary process of law if I did not consider the misconduct of the policemen sufficiently punished. May I ask the right hon. Gentleman what punishment has been awarded; and whether, as I can vouch for the accuracy of the narrative I have submitted, the right hon. Gentleman will lay on the Table the information by which it is contradicted?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURNo, Sir; I do not think it would be worth while, unless the differences were upon points of material importance, which I do not gather that they are. One of the men was a sergeant, and he has been degraded to the ranks and placed at the bottom of the list—a punishment which deprives him of considerable pay and privileges, and of promotion for some time to come. The other constable has been fined.
§ MR. HALLEY STEWARTHow much?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI brought down the details with me, but I have now torn up the paper. I forget the amount, but the fine brings with it the postponement of prospect of promotion for a considerable period.
§ MR. HALLEY STEWARTAnd two of the men have not been fined?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI do not gather that the other two men committed any offence.