HC Deb 09 May 1893 vol 12 c456
MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER (Belfast, W.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a third attempt has been made on the life of Mr. Binden Blood, a resident in County Clare; whether he is aware of the grounds of the persistent persecution of Mr. Blood; and whether the names of the would-be assassins are well-known in the neighbourhood of Mr. Blood's residence?

MR. J. MORLEY

This gentleman was fired at on the 5th inst., but fortunately the shots took no effect. This is the third outrage directed against Mr. Blood. In August, 1889, he was fired at under circumstances similar to those in the present case, and in March, 1890, shots were fired into his dwelling. The same motive is assigned in all three cases, and arises out of the eviction of a man who was formerly in Mr. Blood's employment. The identity of the ruffians who instigated these outrages, or who participated in their commission, has been pretty confidently suspected by the police during the past four years; but so far no evidence has been forthcoming which would lead to their conviction.

MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, N.)

Did the late Government hold an inquiry on this matter under the Secret-Inquiry Clauses of the Coercion Act?

MR. J. MORLEY

I cannot answer that question.

MR. CARSON

Does the present Government intend to hold such an inquiry?

MR. J. MORLEY

As no secret inquiry in the County of Clare has ever led to a conviction, I do not see why we should.