§ MR. PARNELLI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland what steps he proposes to take upon the definite and categorical charges of misconduct, violence, and cruelty advanced against members of the Irish Constabulary Force on duty at Cashel, on Tuesday the 27th ultimo and succeeding* days, by the Cashel Town Commissioners, in a Report of that body, an abstract of which was forwarded on Friday last to him? I may say that I have received a telegram from the Town Clerk of Cashel saying he can produce persons to give evidence who took no part in the meeting, and also adding he is authorised to 1031 state that the Commissioners whose names are not appended to the Report were from home when the signatures were affixed, or they would have signed it.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI have not seen the Report of the Cashel Town Commissioners to which the hon. Gentle man refers; but I am obliged to his courtesy for sending me an abstract of it. I do not know that it is necessary for me to give any answer to his question beyond that which I gave in answer to a similar question put by him on Thursday last. But I would point out to him that in two, at least, cases of alleged violence on the part of the police the name of the con stable incriminated appears to be known. Under these circumstances, it is open to the persons aggrieved either to bring an action or to prosecute. My right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney General has before him papers relating to the alleged action of the Member for East Tipperary, and is considering whether there is evidence requiring him to institute proceedings against him. It is possible, therefore, that there may be legal inquiry bearing upon the Report of the Town Commissioners, on which they will be able to give evidence upon oath.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYIs it not the case that when such an action was brought the Court of Appeal reversed the decision of the Exchequer Division and changed the venue to the North of Ireland?
§ MR. T. W. RUSSELLIn connection with this disturbance, has any person been treated in hospital or infirmary either in Tipperary or Cashel?
§ MR. SEXTONHave not 16 or 17 specific charges of misconduct been made against the police by the Commissioner of the town? I should like to draw attention to the facts of one charge, namely, that strange policemen, who were imported, had their numbers re moved from their uniforms so as to prevent identification. Does not this show collusion between individual con stables and the Government?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI understand that some eight constables imported from Waterford did have their numbers removed. In boroughs the police are numbered. I cannot say I think the proceeding was wise.
§ MR. SEXTONWill the right hon. Gentleman take care that his views are communicated to the officer responsible for the act?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURHe will see my answer in the Press. As to the question of the hon. Member for South Tyrone, I will make inquiries. So far as my know ledge goes, nobody has had to remain in hospital.
§ MR. J. O'CONNORIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the police officers in Ireland, like himself, affect not to read the newspapers?
§ MR. CLANCYIf actions' are brought against the police will the Government defray the cost of the defence?
§ MR. M. HEALYAnd will the right hon. Gentleman undertake that the Bench trying the case shall not be packed with his Removables?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI imagine the cases would go before a Jury, and not before Resident Magistrates.
§ MR. CLANCYBut do the Government intend to bear the cost of defending the police?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI cannot answer that question without notice. Probably, if the prosecutions were successful, the Government would not. The ordinary course will be pursued.
§ MR. PARNELLWill the Government undertake not to pay the cost of defending the police?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI can only repeat that the ordinary course will be pursued.