HC Deb 18 July 1890 vol 347 cc216-7
MR. COGHILL (Newcastle-under-Lyme)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the "Pelican Club;" whether he is aware that prize fights are habitually held there on Sunday evenings, under the name of boxing competitions. And whether the police have had any instructions given them with regard to it?

MR. MATTHEWS

Yes, Sir; my attention has been called to this club. I have received a letter from a member of the Committee of the club, who denies absolutely that either prize fighting or boxing in any form is carried on at the club on Sunday evenings. The police have no special instructions with regard to this club, but if I am furnished with any information to the effect that the law is being violated, I will have inquiry made.

In answer to a further question from Mr. COGHILL,

MR. MATTHEWS

said: I have no information as to the size of the gloves used.