§ MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland how many Roman Catholic houses were wrecked in Belfast on Monday night, and how many or Tuesday night; and why Roman Catholic public-houses in districts known to be dangerous were left without protection?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY TO THE LORD LIEUTENANT OF IRELAND (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds, CentralI have not yet received full information in reply to my inquiries respecting this Question, and will ask the honourable Member to repeat it to-morrow.
§ MR. DILLONI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Iraland whether he can now explain why there were only four constables on duty at the foot of Carrick Hill on Tuesday night last, when the Islandmen were returning from work; and why the riot which broke out was allowed to go on unchecked for 20 minutes?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURIn addition to the four constables stationed at the point mentioned, there were five men at McGlade's public-house, and three at the corner of North Street and Millfield, making 12 men in all guarding the approaches at the junction of the streets named. All the points where the police were posted were about 20 yards from the centre of the roadway, the scene of the riot. There were also four constables concealed in the space of ground almost opposite Carrick Hill, who arrested two of the stone-throwers. When the stone-throwing commenced the head constable in charge at once sent for assistance to Brown Square Barrack, about 200 yards distant, and meanwhile did all he could to quell the riot. In about 10 minutes a force of 50 men, in charge of two district inspectors, arrived on the scene, and dispersed the crowds.
§ MR. DILLONI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether it is proposed to hold any inquiry into the riots in Belfast, and the arrangements for the preservation of the peace made by the city magistrates?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURAll the facts connected with the recent riots in Befast and the arrangements made for the preservation of the public peace are fully known to the Executive Government, and it is not proposed to hold an inquiry as suggested.
§ MR. DILLONI beg to ask the Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Executive will make any grant to the postman who risked his life in the endeavour to save a policeman from being murdered by the mob in Belfast on Monday night?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI am making full inquiry into the facts concerning the rescue of Constable Torrens. There were others, besides the postman referred to in the Question, who contributed to make the rescue at serious risk to themselves. I would rather not make any further statement on the subject at present.