§ MR. SEXTONI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland what were the circumstances of the attack on a number of Catholics at Queen's Island, Belfast, on Wednesday morning last; whether any arrests have been made; what inquiries have been instituted, and with what result; and whether, in pursuance of the recommendation of the Royal Commission on the Belfast riots, the Government will establish a police station at Queen's Island, as now requested by petition to the Lord Lieutenant?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe Constabulary Authorities report that the excursion party numbered about 800. The starting point was opposite the Queen's Island, where over 5,000 workmen are employed. The band with the excursionists played in the hearing of the workmen what is regarded as a Party air, and commenced singing and cheering. Bolts or nuts were thrown by some of the workmen, but no injury was done to any person except a boy, who received a bruise from being struck on the forehead, but he received no serious injury. No injury was done to the vessel. Every effort has been made to identify the assailants by the local police, but so far without success. The manager of the works states that none of his foremen or responsible men knew what happened until all was over. The Petition referred to in the last paragraph has been received, and will have due consideration.
§ MR. SEXTONWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the riots of 1886, which led to the loss of 30 lives, broke out at this very place, and that the Commissioners recommended the placing of a police station there? May I 523 hope that there will be no further delay in carrying out this suggestion?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThat will be further considered.