HC Deb 24 July 1896 vol 43 cc601-2
MR. McCARTAN

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a memorial from Carnlough, county Antrim, signed by the clergymen of different denominations, the magistrates, and the leading inhabitants of the district, asking for the establishment of a constabulary station in that town, has been presented to the Lord Lieutenant; whether he is aware that the import and export trade for last year exceeded 75,000 tons, that there are 200 working men engaged at the quarries and other works in the vicinity, and that the town is situate on the coast along the much frequented road between Glenarm and Cushendall; and, whether, considering that Carnlough is a promising fishing station, and is rapidly becoming one of the most favourite summer resorts in the North of Ireland, he will consider the desirability of having a police station established there with as little delay as possible.

MR. R. T. O'NEILL (Antrim, Mid)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that a memorial was sent to the Lord Lieutenant from the inhabitants of Carnlough, in the county of Antrim, asking that a police station should be established there, and stating that the police from the nearest station at Glenarm are not always available when disturbances occur; that the prayer of the memorial was refused, on the ground that the police at Glenarm are sufficient to deal with the disorder that must occasionally arise at a seaport town like Carnlough; and, whether, considering that the memorial was signed by leading inhabitants of all classes and creeds and politics who are best qualified to judge of the requirements of the neighbourhood, he will cause further inquiries to be made and take steps to supply the wants?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

In reply to this Question and the next standing in the name of my hon. Friend, the Member for Mid Antrim, the memorial referred to has been received and the statements of fact in both questions are substantially accurate. The Divisional Commissioner has personally inquired into the matter, and he considers that the arrangements for additional patrolling by Cyclists which have now been made will quite meet the case, and that at present there is no necessity for the establishment of a police barrack.