§ MR. T. W. RUSSELLI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Dungannon Bench of Magistrates, assembled at Petty Sessions, and representing every creed, unanimously decided that it was quite unnecessary to draft extra police into the town for the July celebrations, but that, notwithstanding this decision of those responsible for the peace of the district, 60 additional police were brought into the town 91 from Connaught; whether any disturbance took place; and if the cost of this extra police force, brought into the town against the decision of the Justices, will be charged on the county?
ME. J. MORLEYIt is true that the local Magistrates were of opinion that no extra force of police was necessary on the occasion mentioned; but the Divisional Commissioner and local police authorities considered that additional men were absolutely necessary, and it was probably owing to the presence of the force of police that no breach of the peace occurred. The men were drafted, not from Connaught, but from Donegal and neighbouring counties. The cost of the extra force, which will be something very small, is chargeable to the county at large.
§ ME. T. W. RUSSELLBut, Sir, as the peace of the county has not been disturbed on these occasions, is the right hon. Gentleman justified, when the Local Authorities declare that no assistance is necessary, in putting them to extra expense by sending in additional police?
MR. J. MORLEYI cannot take the advice of the Local Authorities over the opinion of my own officers. If that were done, decisions might be come to in other cases which the hon. Member would by no means approve.