MR. PATRICK O'BRIENI beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland a question of which I have given him private notice, namely, whether he has any explanations to give about the occurrences at Portadown last night, in which a mob, said to be an Orange mob, attacked houses and public buildings, said to belong to Catholics. I wish also to ask how many persons were injured, to what extent damage was done to property, why the police failed to protect the inhabitants and their property, and what precautions he has now taken to preserve the peace there. I would also ask whether anyone has been arrested or brought to justice in connection with the matter.
§ MR. ATKINSONThe notice of the hon. Member was only received at the Irish Office at one o'clock to-day. The police authorities were at once communicated with, but I have not yet received any report from them.
MR. PATRICK O'BRIENAs the right hon. Gentleman represents the Chief Secretary in this matter, may I. ask if the police have failed to communicate to the Chief Secretary the fact that these things occurred?
§ MR. ATKINSONThere was not sufficient time between the receipt of the notice of the question and the sitting of the House to obtain the report.
MR. PATRICK O'BRIENThe right hon. Gentleman misunderstands my question. These things unfortunately occur only too often in Ireland, and I wish to know if the police authorities do not at once communicate them to the Chief Secretary at his office in London.
§ MR. ATKINSONYes, Sir.
§ * MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!
MR. PATRICK O'BRIENI beg to give notice that at the rising of the House to-night I will ask for further information.