HC Deb 12 June 1893 vol 13 cc780-1
MR. PICTON (Leicester)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has seen a statement issued by the Catholic Committee in St. Mary's Hall, Belfast, and entitled a True Account of the Riots in Belfast in the month of April, 1893; whether he has now information which enables him to confirm or to deny the statements therein made as to the rioting and wrecking in North Street and Carrick Hill; as to the looting of Connolly's house; and as to the repeated attacks on Catholic workmen in Queen's Island in the absence of the police; and whether, on a review of the whole evidence, he can now state what provocation the Protestant population had received?

* SIR E. HARLAND (Belfast, N.)

Is it not true that peace and order have been again restored in those particular districts in Belfast; that both the Catholics and the Protestants are working together; and is it not unwise to rake up this unfortunate disagreement amongst them?

MR. J. MORLEY

In answer to the question of the hon. Baronet, I can only say that I do not think it is quite fair that I should be called upon to judge of the wisdom or un wisdom of the questions put to me. With regard to the question on the Paper, I have seen the statement referred to. I can only say that I find nothing in this publication, nor have I received any subsequent information, which materially affects the view of these disturbances which I gave to the House on April 28.

MR. PICTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there has been deliberate and persevering looting, and that Connolly's house was persistently attacked and set fire to?

MR. J. MORLEY

I adhere entirely to the account I gave of the transaction.