HC Deb 05 June 1893 vol 13 cc199-200
MR. MACDONA (Southwark, Rotherhithe)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to a letter in The Times of 1st June, signed J. F. Benson Walsh, Vicar of St. Ann's, Bermondsey, in which he states that his version of the attack upon him by the mob in Bermondsey has not heretofore been given to the public, because until now he was not able to see, much less to write, but that now he will be pleased with the help of witnesses to prove that the facts of the case were as previously stated; and whether he will make inquiry into the circumstances of the case and offer a reward for the perpetrators of the crime?

MR. BARROW (Southwark, Bermondsey)

May I inquire whether the Rev. Mr. Walsh was well enough to go to the seaside a fortnight ago and last Sunday week to conduct the Church services as usual without the aid of glasses; and whether he has since been to the Continent?

MR. STUART-WORTLEY (Sheffield, Hallam)

I desire to ask whether the question last asked by the hon. Member affecting a private individual is not within the ruling given by you, Mr. Speaker, against such questions the other day? The question is put under circumstances which prevent its being answered.

* MR. SPEAKER

It would have been better had the hon. Gentleman waited to hear the reply of the Minister.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. ASQUITH,) Fife, E.

In answer to the question on the Paper, I may say that full inquiry has already been made into this case. But if the rev. gentleman can either give information himself, or obtain evidence from other witnesses, which will throw further light upon the matter, I hope that be will be good enough to put himself in communication with the police, who will give the most careful attention to any fresh materials which may be brought before them. No effort has been or will be spared to detect the guilty persons and to bring them to punishment; but experience shows that the offer of rewards in such cases does not tend to promote the ends of justice.

MR. MACDONA

May I forward to the right hon. Gentleman the correspondence connected with the case?

MR. ASQUITH

Yes.